Hello Matt,
I've been in the vehicle care business (detailing) 20+ years and I'm always anxious to avise someone on vehicle care. There are no trade secrets on vehicle care, a little knowhow coupled with commen sense and the right products. You are right about good vehicle care and you'll get the rewards of either resale or trade-in down the road if you properly care for your vehicle. You don't need tons of equipment either, a good vacuum, terry towels, scrubbies and brushes. We can't forget the products, go to
www.dwginternational.com and you can order online, my distr I.D.# is 177543. As for the scratches, there is nothing you can do about them except to use a good product that will mask their exhistance, Don't let anybody B.S. you about removing scratches (impossible). I'm located in Illinois close to the WI state line and any help needed is just an e-mail away.
good luck,
J.R. Simpson