I have some swirl marks and faint scrathes on my car. I was thinking of taking it in and getting it detailed but for about the same price I can get a machine buffer that is supposed to be easy to use. I've found one the 10625 Porter Cable Random Orbital here: http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L2=L2_1004&L1=L1_1000&Page=2 It is supposed to work well and be easy to use.

any advice? Should I just take it to a professional?

went ahead and bought the porter cable, and used it and my car looks better than brand new. it took my buddy and I about 4 hours to wash, strip, buff, polish, and wax my car but the shine was worth it. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to remove light scratches and swirl marks or just to make their car shine.