a light scratch on the driver's-side rear quarter panel about SIX INCHES long! I was LIVID! It almost looks like it was lightly keyed. I don't think it's through the clear-coat (the car is Ming Blue). The scratch appears to be white. I'm hoping/praying that confirms it's clear-coat only and not through the paint, as I'm not seeing metal. Really not the end of the world, I realize; it's just that with the car freshly washed, you can be standing at the front wheel, looking down the body at the correct angle, you can make it out when light is reflecting off the car. That combined with the fact I've only had the car about 4 1/2 months and still neurotic about trying to keep it *PERFECT*...

Now, I look to any/all car detailing gurus for help on how to remove this as best as possible (without paint work). I've been reading several posts about the Zaino product line. I haven't studied all of their products and specific purposes, but consistently see rave reviews from Audi owners. I'm guessing that regardless of what polishes/waxes are used, an orbital buffer will probably be needed to buff out the (assumed) clear-coat scratch.

Any suggested are GREATLY appreciated.

 

that doesn't mean that it's permanent. You can at least try several steps to lessen the scratch. You can try a light scratch remover. (like 3M polishing compound, or the Perfect It) Apply it by hand, and it should lessen the scratch a bit. It won't go away completely, but it will be less noticeable. I personally have a strange, but effective way to cover these scratches.
I have bought the Ming Blue touch-up paint. What I do (and I don't advise that you do this, but I do it with great success) I apply the touch-up paint to the scratch, then just before it dries completely, I rub it briskly with my fingertip. This will remove the paint from outside the scratch, and the paint inside the scratch will remain. (which works well for me, because it will fill in the scratch with the Blue paint, effectively removing the scratch) I usually do this once or twice, and then wax the area right afterwards. I've done this on my past car, and this Audi. It keeps those pesky scratches covered up, and keeps my car looking beautiful.

 

I've NEVER seen a scratch of any depth that wasn't white... what other color could one possibly be?

 

like if a kid with a bike rubbed the rubber handle against the paint. It leaves a very light surface scuff/scratch that can sometimes be removed.
A general rule of thumb (which I was told by a detailer) is: If you can catch your fingernail in the scratch, then you won't be able to wax it away.
I've gotten several of the light surface scuffs that come off with a little elbow grease and some of the product that I mentioned above.

 

...I assumed it didn't go through the clearcoat.

Jim Will (or any others) - would you recommend the 3M product over Zaino Z5? Also, will this most likely come out with doing it by hand or will an orbital buffer be required?

 

I've been wanting to try them, but I've been having such goos success with my current 2 step (self designed) process that I'm a little reluctant to try them just yet.
Ive seen one or two cars of other AW folk here, and they call their cars finish to be in perfect condition, when I look at it and can see the hazy spiderwebbing from 30 ft away. I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my car.
I personally have a can of 3M polishing compound (it's a plastic can of paste, green with white lettering that you can buy in AutoZone, Pep Boys or Strauss stores) It works well on the scratches that you describe, if you can't catch your fingernail in the scratch, then you should be able to work that scratch away easily. If not, a good detailer should be able to work it a little so that it's not such an eyesore. Note I said good detailer. Anytime you wax/buff your car, you remove some of the surface of the paint/clearcoat. These layers are remarkably thin anyway, and removing too much will expose the bare paint, or possibly burn through the paint to the metal. (hard to do that by hand, but an inexperienced person with a high-speed buffer can do it in seconds)
I (personal opinion) would recommend you trying it by hand, rubbing in straight lines (fore and aft, not up and down) with a mild polishing compound. That's if a regular wax doesn't work first. (I use Meguiars cleaner/wax in a metal can, can be found at any parts store that I mentioned above) Try this once or twice. If it doesn't work, then try a detailer.
YOu should choose a good detailer. Pick one and go watch them work. See what type of cars they work on. The one I use (and will be going to on Wed) is an exotic car detailer. My car was the least expensive one in the shop. Also, I had never seen so many Aston Martins and Ferrari's in one place before. This guy works for an exotic car dealer, and he regularly details the cars for sale, and when the owners bring them back for regular care. (of course I took pics of all of the cars in there
Watch the detailer work for a bit, if they won't let you watch, then that's not a detailer you want working for you. See if they clean the buffing pad before they put it on the car. See how they apply the product, and how they remove it. The detailer I chose let's me watch, and has no problems explaining exactly what he's doing, and why.
I am a bit of a fanatic about my car, but keep in mind, it's 11 months old, with 22,000 miles on it (also, it has lived through a harsh NYC winter, and was driven regularly in every snow) I think it looks pretty good, but, a professional detailing will make it look even better..
Just my .02