Interesting to see the different suggestions. I am also split between the Griot's and the PC. There is a little price difference, but not much. The difference may equal a set of pads (or 2) and maybe some compound.

I thought Meguiar's was now owned by 3M (?)

Plenty of great polishing compounds out there aside from noted. Find a local paint jobber and talk to them. I do use Meguiars and 3M but also use Wizards. All purchased from the auto paint jobber - not Walmart or Pep Boys.

I have been using foam vs wool for the last several years. I doubt you need wool for just spiffing up the shine.

I've been using a Flex random orbital, made in Germany.
Its very powerful with a variety of settings, excellent machine.
Using the less aggressive pads, its very safe on your car finish.
Only drawback is its heavy, although it has very comfortable handles,
& its expensive...I think I paid about $300.00.

Who owns who
 

I made a incorrect statemen...R Webb is correct - 3M owns Meguiars not Turtle Wax...I have been breathing too many fumes - Sorry - I will go back and edit it.

Re these polishers; like 911Freak stated, it all depends on what your main use for one is. The bottom line for me now is that 90% of the time I just use a quality 'wax' and hand polish it. As you know, once your paint is up to snuff it's easy.

I now tend to use the machine from time to time just to polish a friends car or boat. Hmmmm?- It just may be time for me to get rid of it altogether ay.

Cheers