Hi, Welcome. The points you listed about are on the right track, best to use a pH neutral car wash, available form your local auto shop or online, using a lambswool or microfiber mitt, using the two bucket method, one with soap, one with plain water, always rinse the mitt in the water one, then back into the soap. Drying is best done with a waffle weave microfiber towel, again to avoid swirls, don't use a chamois, as this will drag any grit missed in washing across the paint starching it. Also its a good idea not to apply too much pressure when washing and drying, as this can potentially add more swirls, and believe you me the paint on the 86 is like butter its so soft. Adding a sealant is not polishing as such, its only sealing the paint, the proper process is to clay - polish - seal/wax, but given your starting new, the clay baring is not absolutely necessary, but some would still recommend it, personally i wouldn't worry if its brand new. Depending how pedantic you are about your car, will depend if you want to polish any light swirls that may be in the paint out, again being new there should only be a light amount, but sometimes dealers will have put swirls in the paint when washing it before you pick it up. As for being clear coat safe, only cheap **** like kitten or something like that is not clear cost safe, so stick with the good quality stuff and you will be right Sealing & waxing is pretty strait forward, but choosing the right product is not so simple, as there is plenty to choose from. Personally I have used Meguiars nxt gen tech wax, and it seems to last a long time, but have had good experiences with autoglym super resin polish (A light polish and sealer in one) Car detailing is one of those things that has no end, there is many levels depending on how you want to look after your car and how much you want to spend, and can become an obsession, especially with an 86 :P Some good sites are to buy products off, both very good to deal with http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/ https://www.zas.com.au/ With a little effort you can have your red 86 looking mint, and keeping it that way. Hope that is of some help, Cheers Mitchell.