[TomsMR2]

clay bar removes dirt and fall out. nothing else. it wont remove oxidation, scratches, fading, swirls, or any of the things that actually make paint look bad. you can spend hours claying your car only to have just as bad paint as before you started.

for what you're doing, a rotary is fine. get a FINISHING pad and a swirl remover compound. this is a very non aggressive combo and does wonders for paint.. especially for beginners because it cuts so damn slow and lets you learn. the swirl compound will leave your car looking great. after that wash the car with dish soap and dry it, then hit it again with a clean finishing pad and a polish, then wax it up and you're done.

you need to wax your car, ESPECIALLY after compounding. wax blocks UV, also a waxed car is much easier to clean.. dirt doesnt stick fantastically well to wax, also prevents bird poop damage.

i have a 25 dollar HF rotary buffer. it kind of sucks, but i dont use it often, and ultimately it does work.. the speed control is a little touchy sometimes, but nothing you cant live with. if you're not counting on heavy use, you can cheap out on a buffer and be fine.. you cant cheap out on pads though, get good ones.