I just bought the car this summer and do not know what surfact protectants are on there, but I want to prep the car for winter chemicals like salt from the roads.

Also, I just want to do ao really good job shining her up.

Some notes:
I have a Pebble Beige Metallic finish, in case the metallic nature makes a difference.
I have some minor swirl marks from the previous owner. I would like to get rid of these as best I can.

What do I need to buy, what do I need to do, and in what order?
Also, if applying a product or protectant, what is the best method of application? (example- Purchase monkey poo. Apply monkey poo with bare hands.)

EDIT: I did find this thread, which looks helpful:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....cratch+AND+fix

Does anyone have anything to add to this? If not, I will just go with the advice contained therein...

 

If you are in a part of the country that has snow and salt, you might want to consider a polymer sealant like Zaino or Klasse. Those protect your finish for up to 6 months after application.

However, I cannot stress that optimum results cannot be achieved without proper paint preparation. With that said, this is what I would do in your case:

a) Dawn wash the vehicle
b) Clay with Clay Magic Clay Bar (Get that from AutoZone for $9.99)
c) Get some 3M Swirl Mark Remover for Light Colored Cars or Meguiar's Swirl Mark Remover 2.0. If you have an orbital polisher, it would help in this step.
d) Apply Klasse All In One
e) Apply Klasse Sealant Glaze (Especially on the rims). Let cure for 24 hrs.

Next Wash, add another coat of the sealant glaze. Third Wash, add the final coat of sealant glaze. Fourth wash, wax using your favorite wax to add depth.