My G is my daily driver, but I intend to keep it in top condition (if possible). This is the first car I haven't been able to garage, although I use a car cover when it's not raining (here in southern cali that's just about all the time ). I wash every week, clay bar/prewax clean/synthetic wax every six months, and spray wax every month or so.

Does anyone out there have any insight or experience on whether a car can be kept in near-show condition when it's stored outside? Does inside versus outside storage make a big difference?

 

Don't use a car cover unless you're going to wash it everytime you cover the car.

 

Are you parking it outside on the street, or outside in your driveway?

Cuz, if it's your driveway you can buy one of those canopies to protect it from rain and bird crap.

 

i park my car outside on the street 24/7. It gets washed once a week+spray wax and NXT gen wax once a month. Other than the chips on the front bumper from day to day driving the paint is in perfect condition (10K miles to date). Just make sure you wash it religiously and you should be fine.
-GP-

 

It's actually outside on the street. I have a covered spot at my apartment, but I spent most of my free time at my girlfriend's place, and street parking is all that's available. Thanks, though.

 

Keep it washed and use the cover sparingly. One thing that happens to outside cars down here is that leaves and crud get stuck below the wipers under the hood. That looks really bad to me. If you stay on top of that, it is easy to keep clean.

-GT

 

The sun is also your enemy. It will age the rubber, and fade the interior.
I've had my windows tinted, and use one of those inside windshield covers to lessen the sun entry. The sun also prematurely ages the leather and carpet.

 

i've got it outside 24/7. i use zaino for durability, still very slick and beading at 3months with only gold class washes 1x/month. windows tinted, dash protected with 303