This isn’t my first Mazda but it is the first one I’ve bought brand new. I invested a bit more into this car so I really want to make sure I keep the care up for it. Previous models I’ve had I used the gas station car wash once in a while and vacuumed it maybe once a year. That was the extent of the car I would do outside of regular maintenance performed by Mazda. So with the new car:

1. Is there things I should be doing right away to protect the paint?
2. This model has leather seats, I’ve only ever had cloth, how can I protect them and keep them in good shape?
3. How often should I be washing (and I assume waxing)?
4. Should I put a coating on anything (such as the vinyl on the dash) to keep it protected and looking good?
5. Any big do’s and don’ts for keeping it in the best shape possible without breaking the bank?

Any wisdom you can share is appreciated!
(I understand there are a lot of different schools of thought around care regimens but at this point I can use all the information I can get my hands on. Doing all the reading I can but I’d like to draw from some experience as well.