I started hearing the clicking noise coming from my rear end (referenced in a number of threads on this site) right around 20,000 miles. Turns out it was the simple explanation that many suspected: it needed to new axle nuts torqued to a higher spec than original. This has, for now, fixed the annoying click I have been getting for the past few thousand miles.

In other news, Immke Honda still sucks. They asked me what I needed done when I made the appointment, so I told them about the noise and told them that I was concerned about the wear on the leather on my driver's side seat cushion (thanks to David's nagging ).

So, I pull up to the service desk this morning and an employee approaches me with clipboard in hand, greets me, and asks what she can do for me. I tell her that I have an appointment and she again asks what I've brought the car in for, has it been there before (yes, I bought it from you guys and have had it here multiple times...), etc. All things she could have looked up on her computer, but, hey, why not make the customer repeat himself a few times? That'll be sure to leave him satisfied, right? Oh, and when we're done, we'll leave a satisfaction survey on your passenger seat.

Anyway, word was relayed to me that the service manager felt the leather cushion wear was completely normal and that they just happened to have the regional rep from AHM on site this morning who agreed with the service manager. Wow, what a coincidence!

I guess $45,000 worth of automobiles from them in the last 15 months isn't enough to take good care of me... Wish I lived closer to Ganley Honda!!!

 

And since I'm bitching, I'll have you know that my voicemail on my AT&T cell phone is working again... it only took three calls and about 60 minutes on the phone with three different AT&T customer service reps to get it sorted out. Basically, their voicemail "upgrade" broke my mailbox and it only took me about three weeks to figure it out because it would never alert me to new voicemails and even when I got suspicious and dialed up to check it anyway, my phone was using the wrong voicemail number or some crap and it would log me in and tell me no new messages.

 

I have had good experiences with Roush in Wstv. So far. My driver side seat looks like it's cracking. I treat it with Mequirs wipes. After 8000 miles, it is surprisingly bad. Maybe I shoud take it in.

 

I've gotten great service at Honda East. You aren't locked into Immke. I made nice with the Asst. Service Manager and he's been great.

 

The cracking is normal ( the leather used on our S is the worst that I have seen)and don't wast you time with the wipes. Get a good cleaner and conditioner. BTW, the 03 leather seems to be alot better. McQuires makes some that is a lot better than the wipes. I use Zymol leather products. On Joe's seat, the foam is breaking down also so the seat looks flat.

Joe, sounds like they fed you a line of BS. Sam had his leather replaced on his Accord no questions asked.

 

Yeah, I figured that. I have no evidence, but I love the "coincidence" that Honda's regional rep just happened to be in the building on a day that I picked out for my service.

This leather isn't the worst I have seen by far... my sister bought a used Saturn that had leather seats that appeared to be in good condition and those are 10 times worse than the S2000. It doesn't matter what you do to them, but you can't sit in her car without sliding all over the seats like you're sitting on ice.

All in all, I've never been a big fan of leather, even good leather. For the most part, I'll take a decent cloth seat in my S any day of the week (Civic Si seats, anyone???).

Oh, I chose to go back to Immke because I bought my car there and I figured if anyone would be likely to help me out with the seat cusion replacement, they would be since I've bought a couple cars there... guess I was wrong. I might try Honda East or Roush or I might just say f*ck it, let the leather go to crap and buy a decent set of aftermarket seats eventually.

In the meantime, I'll take out my frustrations by writing annoying letters to AHM, Immke Honda, and AT&T bitching about their poor customer service.

 

Has anyone seen that George Carlin special where he talks about "customer service" being a euphemism for bending your customers over, if you know what I mean???

 

I agree with StrangeDaze: I'm not a big fan of leather. It's nice when the temps are moderate and the humidity is low, but they age poorly. Check out my solution: These are custom fit Wet Okole seat covers I picked up from a GB last week. The quality and fit is excellent. Besides looking good, I'm hoping they preserve my leather since I plan on keeping my S2000 for a long time.

 

Do those go on over top the leather? How do they feel when you sit? Do they feel like they could move around a bit, etc?

 

Yes, they fit right over the seats. They are two-piece - the back slips over and velcro together at the bottom back. The bottom section has three straps with plastic clips that allow you to get it nice and tight. The bottom moves around a little when you first get seated because you can't slide into the seat like you can with leather. But once you're in, they don't move around. The feel is different - a little softer - which is pretty nice, but I'm sure it's a matter of preference.

I like the fact that they can be washed, they're waterproof, and reportedly don't get scalding hot when sitting in the sun. I've had nothing but compliments on them since I put them in.