Best low effort, long term cleaning regimen

Long time listener, first time caller. We bought a new 2020 Tacoma, which I plan to keep for a very long time, so I'd like to figure out a cleaning regimen to keep the paint in as nice of condition as possible. My main needs are:

• ease-of-use (if it's too intensive it won't get done)
• cost (don't want to drop $1500 at a professional detailer)
• long term protection (I don't care about shine, just keeping everything in order for a very long time)

I'm in the Midwest, so snow/salt can be an issue. What are your suggestions? Two bucket method with a good soap that has wax built in? Spray sealant? Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Forgot to mention, we will be using it as a truck (hauling, camping, road trips), so an immaculately perfect shine isn't a top priority.

 

A ceramic coating is the only real long term solution. Consumer available coatings can be had that will last 1-2 years, maybe more in the right environment. Pro coatings last longer but they will approach that $1500 mark you mentioned. Personally I have no interest in a coating lasting that long and I enjoy doing my own work so that's not something I'm interested in. No matter what you still have to wash it periodically or you'll just mask the coating with filth.

Coatings also help self clean where you can rinse most filth off before hitting it with a wash mitt/towel.

No matter what you use wax/sealant/coating it will pop the paint and make it look better. Though polishing is what truly makes the paint shine more than any product that gets applied. However even if you don't care about more shine polishing also cleans and preps the surface better than anything else you apply and only helps the longevity of whatever gets applied. This is the reason pro coatings REQUIRE polishing because it's the best prep you can do.

If you want easy then look into Carpro Hydro2 or McKees 37 Hydro Blue (plenty of vids on YT). These products are used after the wash, just spray on then rinse off. Obviously they don't last as long but there is no easier protection method out there. Only your pressure washer (preferred) or garden hose will limit you getting around the vehicle quick.

 

There are so many good spray on/wipe off sealants now that will easily give you 4-6 weeks or more of protection. Blackfire SiO2 Spray Sealant is a good one. Basically any spray sealant you see on Autogeek is gonna be a good one. Some claim months of protection.

Meguiars Uptimate Spray wax once a month after a wash would probably keep you happy. And I LOVE Duragloss Aquawax. It’ll get you a few weeks.

If you wash once a month, just pick any good spray wax and apply it after a wash.

 

I wax every 3months with

$21 Collinite 845 Insulator Wax-Easy to Use Carnauba+Polymer Wax Sealant-High Gloss Shine+Durable Hydrophobic Beading & Long Lasting Paint Protection for Cars/Boats/Trucks/RVs & Motorcycles (16 fl oz)

Collinite 845, wipe down the plastic every month with aerospace 303. Clay once a year on the purchase date of the truck. Wash every other week

 

This is what I use.
Clay bar the paint. I use Mcguiers because it was on sale.
Clay bar the windows.
Jetseal by Chemical Guys paint, wheels, glass. Lasts about one year.
Over coat with Hydroslick by Chemical guys.
Then I use banana spray wax about once a month after car wash.
I have a unlimited car wash membership. I go two or three times a week.
About once a week wipe down inner door jambs and doors.
Nothing really sticks.
I drive thru a rock quarry ( limestone) twice a day.

 

Just do it regularly. Meguiars wash/wax soap is budget friendly and works well. Beadmakers sealant every six weeks good to go.