There has been so much said about Zaino here, and I've looked at the very impressive photos.

My 04TL (WDP) just got the dealer's paint protectant, but I wanted to show everyone what you can do with more conventional products you can get for cheap at Autozone. I used Meguiar's paint cleaner, polish, and liquid wax (their 1-2-3 step) on my wife's 2002 Passat. The Passat's paint has many issues as it has a lot of miles and we live in the California desert. The Passat has to sit outside in the 105-degree heat (today 12/21 was over 80 to give you an idea).

You can see in the photos how banged up the hood is from the road debris. I hadn't done anything to the paint (other than washing) since we bought it in early 2002.

But look at the shine! I did the Meguiar's 1-2-3 treatment two weeks ago, and washed it today with regular soap.

So I'm not sure I'm willing to shell out the big bucks for Zaino when I can get a good shine from Meguiar's.

 

The driver's door...

 

Rear panel. This is before I took the water spots off with wet wipe n' shine.

 

I've been using Meguiar's with good results on my '03 TL-S (NBP/Ebony) since I bought it in June of '02. I'm currently waiting for the arrival of my new '04 TL (also NBP/Ebony). With all the good comments of the people here, I ordered the Zaino Show Car Kit yesterday. After the '04 arrives and weather permits, we'll see how Zaino compares.

 

I can't agree with you more.... I use Meguiar's and love it..

 

I used Meguire's on my '01 CL, but have been convinced Zaino is the way to go. I too have the complete kit ($89 ish) on order. Sounds like a bargain if it will do what I've seen

 

Big bucks for Zaino? The total Zaino package to polish the exterior is less than $50! The stuff lasts for a long time, too. After the initial cleaning process to get rid of the old wax it's super quick to apply. The car doesn't get as dirty either.

I was very skeptical of the product, but it does work well. I've heard good things about Macguires also, but I understand that Zaino is the best product.

 

As an EX - Meguiar's user, I did find that Meguiar's (and other waxes) can give you a great shine. I REALLY knew how to work it and spent hours with my buffer and various polishes, glazes and finishing products. After following a Zaino forum for a year, I finally decided to try it, and I found:

1. Zaino shines better and better! The shine improves with each layer, unlike wax, where each new layer dissolves the previous one.

2. Zaino lasts MUCH longer. I had to Meguiar's every 5-6 weeks to keep the look, but now Zaino every 5-6 MONTHS.

3. Zaino is SO MUCH EASIER and FASTER - 20 minutes to completely polish the car and no power buffer needed!

4. Zaino is actually cheaper - You use SO LITTLE that a bottle can last 8-12 times, compared to 2-3 for waxes.

5. Zaino protects better - . About a week after I Zaino'd our TSX, some huge bird made a GIANT plop on the car. When I found it, I probed it to see how dry it was before washing it off, and it ALL slid off in ONE PIECE! I was totally blown away!

I have now been using Zaino for about 3 years, and would NEVER go back to wax, ANY wax.

It's clear that you care for your car, so don't wait - order a Zaino kit ASAP. You can always go back to your Meguiar's if you wish, but I don't know of anyone that ever has.

 

I agree with automophile. I have used Meguires in the past and have converted to all Zaino. I liek the fact that u can apply the stuff in the sunlight, its not a problem to work on the whole car instead of just areas. For the way I like to take care of my car I think Zaino is the best product for my needs. You got a really nice shine on your Jetta. It seems kinda hazy tho, almost like there are a lot of marks on the paint.