First time owning a car. Beginners advice please?

[ijaen]

You can also check Detailing World, they are pretty complete when it comes to DIY recommendations.
The first thing to do is to wash it properly to avoid swirl marks and further damage to the paint. Use a good quality microfiber wash mitt, a good quality soap (I use Meguiars Gold Class) and dry the car with a good drying towel by patting gently the paint and not dragging it. I also use the 3M Quick Wax spray to help with the drying process. When washing please use the 2 buckets method, one bucket with your soapy suds water and a second bucket with the "dirty" rinse water, this will help keep the washing mitt as clean as possible so you don't drag the dirt through your paint causing damage.
Wax a couple times a year, just before winter so road salt slides from the paint and never let the paint get so dirty that you have to scrub it.
That should be enough for the average driver.
Should you need more details feel free to ask.