I don't believe in buying the actual "three phase" systems, because not everyone makes the best stuff.

To do a complete overhaul outside I do this or some combonation. Use a packaged group, or seperates if you want.

Use bug and tar before, to get it off.
1. Wash with dish soap. This strips your wax, and leaves the car naked. Do a good job.
(if you don't want to strip the old wax off, and are doing just a wash/wax you're better off doing just normal car wash.)
2. Claybar (1 or 2x a year) This pulls off all the contaminents that have deposited on themselves that normal washing can't do. Makes it feel smoother then glass.
3. Repairing/Cleaning, use all of the necessary products depending on what you're trying to clean up. A nice Rubbing compound will get clear coat damage out nice, be careful with how much you use it. A cleaner wax polishes as you put it on, and helps with stuff like light swirls and very light clear coat damage. Afterwards a specific polish may be used to finish the work done with the previous ones.
4. Wax, if using a machine, use a random orbiter. Make sure you get it out of all the crevaces. Waxing inside the doors will keep it clean in there. Make sure you pop the hood while doing this, run the wax under the lip on each side, Trunk as well. That way your wax doesn't end right before the lines.
5. Rubber/Trim stuff. Make sure not to get this on the paint. I usually move the spray bottle along the trim, wiping with a rag afterwards. Do the Tire compound just a little onto the tread, but not the whole tread! No traction at all. If using a gel, make sure you have an applicator.

I use these at the moment.
Wash - Meguiars Deep Crystal $5 for a big jug. ( i think) or their "best suds one". Dad buys it, it'* cheap, works great.
2. Claybar - Meguiars $10 Makes the car feel like Oiled Glass. Use whatever is cheapest in your area.
3. Cleaner waxes, polishes. Whatever you prefer. We're about due for new stuff, everything'* OLD that we have. A plastic polish is nice for cleaning up tail lights (92-95 SE) headlights, or corners, a metal polish if you have chrome trim or wheels, or alloys with gunk on them.
4.Wax Meguiars Gold Class, Most reflective/shiniest, ever. I've been using the same wax coat since late sept or october, and It'* still perfect. When it rains my car gets clean. Liquid Glass is a very had wax that has rave reviews, used by many dealers. It goes on, and after setting in the sun, it sort of smooths out after a few outs. It similuates a factory clear coat. Other good ones include Zymol, and Mothers.
5 Tire stuff, Gels will last longer then most liquids. They are a little messier, and cost more, but last longer. I use Eagle One Wet & Black (i think...) Lasts about 2 weeks in the summer good, and is still fine after that, No brown tires either.

using a "cleaner", "body scrub", "rubbing compound" on a typical basis, there is no need for use of a clay bar.

Well I use cleaners and such when necessary, claybar once after winter from now on. Claybar is nice to get personal with your car... You get to see it all upclose, and find what else you broke since last time...

Thanks Jason for the massive above info, that'* what I needed.

i just get some sweet looking ladies in tiny bikini`* to wash and wax ........my car sheeeeeez guys relax

turtle ur really silly with that one

That'* my preferred method too.
First of all I don't do any work.
And second of all I get to ogle hotties!