I have a black 03 ss and tried everyting cause i work in a parts store. The greatest thing i found is Turlle waxs new ICE spray on synthetic wax. Very easy to use and after two or three coats all at one time....that baby shines all the time.

 

I use use a DA Polisher. with Meguiars M105 and M205. The stuff is amazing and shines great when finished.

Im actually not much of a fan of ultimate compound, and its mostly fillers anyways and the swirls come back. Once you hit professional products you will never go back.

 

I agree with pretty much everything everyone has said. The only thing I am going to add...is that after I get done with all of the work I took my Monte out for alittle highway cruise. I couldn't figure out why this guy on a Harley was not passing me and just keep up with my back bumper...until he passed me and give me the thumbs up. Nothing like people on the highway showing that they like your car.

 

Do you have the time to wash the car at least once a week, including in the winter?

Will you also dry the car properly? Never use a sponge or anything harsh? strictly microfiber clothes? The time to use a quick detailer or an easy spray wax every couple weeks? Clay bar in the spring to make sure all the winter is off, and fully wax it (I say a minimum of once every season 4x a year)

Then you should be fine with a black car. I have done this since 2000, and people can't believe the age in the car, although it shows marks and everything, the overall quality of the paint is still great for an almost 11 year old car.