I knew I shouldn't have done it but I was in a rush so I used a cheapo car wash, one of those $4.99 jobs at the gas station. Sure enough, I now have a huge honkin' 5-inch scratch on the side of the door of my 2010 RX 350 (Obsidian Black). I'm upset with myself for being so stupid as to go to one of these places but is there any way I can fix this myself?

 

Can you post a picture? How deep is it?

You can find a ton of great information about removing scratches in the Automotive Care and Detailing forum.

 

If you can feel it with your fingernails it usually will not buff/polish out. What you're feeling is a cut into the clear & possibly the base.

 

Don't overreact just yet. It might buff out.
Clean the surface and rub in a polishing compound. Or take it to a professional detailing shop and let them try.

 

If you can't fix it this place can if you have one near you in Florida http://www.carsmetics.com/

 

Right now there is too much of a glare. I will post a picture later on today.

 

Can you recommend a polishing compound?

 

BatmobileX, you'll find recommendations over in the Automotive Care & Detailing forum. I'd suggest you do a search rather than posting a new thread. It's probably one of the most frequently asked questions. With that, I'm closing the thread.