I apply compound and polish with the foam or wool pad on the rotary, only for minor imperfections do I use it with a mf.....as far as gettin a new pad or mf goes, depends on how deep the imperfections are, and how much of the car you want to do.....though Id sugggest you play it safe with a foam pad, for tyre shine Im a big sucker for Megs Endurance Tyre Gel, though you can go with the locally available ones as well like armour all or stp. Should be in the less than 500 bracket, for engine degreasing, again multitude of options available, I prefer presoak from Turtle Wax, 550 for half a litre, an loads an loads of cleaning ability! Though you can get ready to use bottles an cans (not recommended for frequent use) that serve the purpose for under 500 as well......hope it helps.
