Just don't rub dirt on it!
Some of you guys are pretty anal about this. Thats probably a good thing. I can appreciate a shiny car just as much as the next guy for sure. However My 2003 Honda has been through high pressure washes and lots of hand washing (but never an automatic wash unless I took it to an idiot dealer. Automatic washes are for soccer moms who could hardly even remember the color of their minivan). I use about 1 to 3 rags to wipe it down after a wash. Heck, sometimes I don't even use soap. Just water spray and wipe down. Microfiber wasn't really a thing in the early 2000's so it was just plain terry cloth. But ya Microfiber is worth it. Thats what I use now. Anyway the point is my Honda is ten years old and doesn't have a scratch on it. The key is just to be careful not to rub dirt in the car. The front end did get to be pretty sand blasted looking after years of driving and drafting, but I had it repainted for something like a grand or so, and it looked brand new. Not the whole car, just the front. The point is, take care of it with common sense, don't worry so much and it will look great for years. If you decide to keep your ride for ten plus years, it might need some fresh paint, but other than that you should be good.
One more thing. Waxing a car. Yes awesome. I wax my car about 2-3 times a year. Thats how you keep it shiny!
