when i owned a proper big 4x4 i only ever gave it a jet wash when the mud under the wheel arches stopped the wheels turning, but since i've owned the subaru i've had it washed every month at one of the many hand wash centres run by very hard working eastern europeans. they do a good job for £5 although they dont polish, but now i've owned it 6 months i've got a mobile valet service coming next week to do the inside and polish the outside. i saw them doing a car over the road the other day and they were using clay bars etc. the finish was amazing, but expensive.i'm paying £50 and i'll get a dry vac and polish inside (i dont want a wet wash inside the car) and a wet wash and polish outside. they were using electric mops so i'm expecting a very nice finish.
i'm happy with this system. i have a silver car so the dirt doesnt show up too much, but its such a nice car that i want to keep it in very good order.
i've never understood how clay bars work, but Big Daddy is the man to talk too as he often spends 2 days at a time detailing his car.
i'll make him aware of this post so he can contribute if he wants to.
G