I'm thinking of buying a polisher for doing the family cars. do these things really save much time, or do a better job? Do I really need to spend the extra for a Porter Cable, or will the "Pep-Boys special" work well enough for me? I notice that Sears and similar stores carry random orbit car polishers that are frequently on sale. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

 

At $130, Porter Cable Random Orbital Polisher is relatively cheap, saves time and does a better job than by hand. I wouldn't trust using a no-name, untested, "cheaper" brand on my expensive baby.
http://www.properautocare.com/basporcab74p.html

 

Go to a Lowes if it's in your area.. look for the Porter Cable 7336 Random Orbit Sander/Polisher. It should be $99.97 there..

Before you go though.. go to Lowes.com and sign up for their New Movers program. They will send you a 10% off coupon good for purchases up to $10,000 via e-mail. If you neglect the e-mail, they'll just mail the coupon to you within 5 days.

Take the coupon to Lowes and you'll get the PC for less than $100 out the door..

PC7336 is the exact same unit as the 7424.. the only difference is the size of the backing plate and the 6" counterweight. You can buy a 5" counterweight for very cheap at coastaltool.com if needed.