what type of wax?

As stated above, the wax that you prefer depeonds on what your looking for out of the finish. Carnuaba offers more depth of color and clarity, but doesn't last a long time. A sealant provides better durability and reflection, but lacks in color clarity. I also second the comments of tropical detailer above, 90% of the finish comes from the prep work of polishing and cleansing the paint. All this being said, I think if you stick with a quality brand (P21S, Zymol, Zaino, Klasse, Swisswax, Pinnacle) you will be happy with the results. There is a difference between generic waxes at Walmart and the quality brands.

 

This is from consumer reports wax test-

"Consumer Reports’ tests found that pricier waxes favored by auto enthusiasts do not necessarily work better than some less-expensive brands. The two top performers
(Black Magic Wet Shine Liquid Wax and Turtle Wax Carnauba Car Wax T-6) cost just $7, while a product selling for $32, P21S Concours-Look Carnauba Wax, ranked no better than mid-pack."

So who knows.

I use 100% Meguiars and seem to keep my clients happy.

This Challenge was topped with a sealant.
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Tom's Wax

 

I like Zymol because it has banana oil in it. I can hardly wait to finish waxing the car because I am so hungry. You and your car will smell delicious. Better than Crisco(R)

May the horse be with you.

 

I generally use Zaino on the 348, the first picture is after I detailed it, the others are after Todd used the orbital polisher on it about 10 months ago.
BT
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Consumer Reports opinion matters very little to me. Think about how they would rank a Ferrari: "A Toyota Corolla works just as well as more expensive brands such as Ferrari but costs just one tenth as much"

 

I have also used the Turtle Wax pastes, and they are very good also. The only bad aspect is that they dust very much when you remove them so you have to do several sweeps over the car to get the wax dust off the car after you buff it (not the case with the Meguire's cleaner waxes). I like Zymol cheap liquid for the smell, it is like a tropical beach.... Haven't used the Swax yet...
BT

 

I just bought the orbital kit from Griots Garage. My Sl500 had a little dulling going on plus the typical dirt bumps and it is amazing how the finish is after using this system. It comes with the buffer, pads,speed shine wax, clay, polish and carnuba wax stick. First you use the clay by hand with the speed shine as a lubricant to remove surface contamination. Then you use the polish with the orbital(orange pad) to remove light scratches and swirls. Then you use the orbital (red pad) to apply the pure carnuba wax. The outcome was better than I have seen even when I have had my cars professionally detailed. I am a believer now!

Here is the kit that I bought, best $189.00 that I have ever spent.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/11750.do