Is paste car wax necessary?

[ErickTR]

I know from personal experience the numerous problems associated with putting wax on paint.
The main one for me is the smudges and fingerprints.
I don't care how shiney I get it, All it takes is a touch here and a wipe there and it's smudged or smeared all over again.
I tried glazes but like wax they leave a white film on the vinyl and rubber parts on the car.
The liquid spray wax does a better job of resisting smudges and it's ok on the rubber parts.
Best of all liquid wax cleans off easy, it does not build up and have to be stripped and clayed.
Most of the detail forums don't approve of liquid spray wax, they recommend paste wax.
I think paste waxes are more for hobbiest more than the every day guy who just wants to keep a shine on his car.
I honestly don't know anyone personally who does the wax and buff thing to their car.
Most of my friends are like me and go the spray shine route.
My guess is that the detail forums do not represent the main market of car owners.
Who thinks the the advice given in most of the online detail forums is applicable to them?
Do you go the whole 9 yards with the buffing ect?
Would you detail a brand new car?

[Gojirr]

No.
Paste wax is not necessary, neither is detailing a brand new car.
However, there are people who use paste wax and will detail a brand new paint job.
For them it ranges from a hobby to fanaticism.
Generally using paste and cream wax has a negative effect on new automotive paint.
It tends to make it duller faster.

[Jim D.]

Spray waxes are more for maintaining a good shine. I often use one after a wash -- it helps aid the drying process and quickly and easily gives shine and protection.