I use the cheapest buffer I can find with a yellow pad like this:

http://www.topoftheline.com/85lakcounfoa.html

with this compound:

http://www.topoftheline.com/32ozheavcutp.html

which is smooth and creamy but cuts through scratches very well.

Then I go back over the whole car with this:

http://www.topoftheline.com/cyclo-polisher.html

with the yellow pads on with the same compound. It gets rid of any swirls left over from the first application and polishes the paint.

Then I take the car outside and hand wash all of it off the paint and use a pressure washer to get all the compound out of the cracks. Then I bring it back inside and dry it with The Absorber and then put a coat of Eagle One Nano wax on it.

I just finished a black2004 Nissan Maxima that was a little edgy and scratchyand it nowlooks like glass with no swirl marks at all.

Top-of-the-line also makes a great tire dressing. (Grape flavored and very long lasting)

I am actually a car salesman but I work at a small dealership (usually it's just me here) and I do it all, detail, small repairs, sell, etc.

 

this is the same one i use also. i have had it for 2 years now and still runs strong. i went the cheap route so that i could spend more money on the pads and polish for the truck. i also use it on the wifes porsche and cant complain with the perfromance of it.