You guys are rookies.

Try a California Water Blade. You'll never go back. After the blade, one small towel (kitchen size) will finish the car.

I've thought of getting one of those put I was afraid of what would happen if there was dirt that I missed or something on the paint

you mean like scratch the hell out of it...

very easy to do. especially if the car isn't glassy smooth

I've been using one for about 8 years since they came out. I'm on my 3rd now. It'* never scratched my paint. It'* very soft and flexible silicone.

I agree with previous "rookie" advice: Sheeting the water (use only the hose, no nozzle) will leave you with a lot less water, and then follow up with an electric leaf blower. Not only will it mostly dry the car, it will get out that water that ends up standing inside the mirrors and other places that ends up dripping down the side if you move the car right away. Then blot the remaining water with a good waffle weave microfiber.

My bonne had more spider webs on it after I switched to the water blade. I've used it on my new car now because I haven't polished it by machine yet... Not sure what I'm going to do, regardless, they must be CLEAN when using, and you must have a clean surface to dry. Even on a car that'* never been claybared, and still has heavy deposits, you're not getting them all off on a wash and therefore dragging them around the car.

Huge microfibre towels are great for drying, just make sure they're clean. The Sheeting tip is spot on (well, off). Don't buy the cheapest ones you can find at the local car store however...

A good wax/sealant should sheet damn near all the water off the sides of the car as well. The hood/roof/trunk wont as much because they're level.

As Grimm said, the waffle weave microfiber are great for drying.

The sheeting this is awsome I use it, if you have issues with large flat surfaces find a place to wash your car where the car is not level, i.e. one side is higher than the other, this will make it easier to sheet flat surfaces because they will no longer be "flat"

I can't even imagine using a water blade on my car. I swear I can just about marr the paint touching it with my finger. I shudder at the thought of what the paint would look like dragging a piece of silicon or rubber across the car.

Come look at the 4 year old paint on the roof of my 93, and the top of the trunk lid. It was repainted (full left side as well) after I bought it. I've been using the water blade on that car ever since.

There are no scratches or swirls from it.

sure we'll all jump right on a plane out there to look at the roof of your car.