Hi all,

I just got mine on Saturday. The 600 mile break-in period sure is tough!!! Keeping it under 5K RPM just goes against what this car is all about.

The forums were great as I was researching everything to make my decision. I've got some newbie questions that I hope aren't covered recently since I was too busy driving this weekend to do an exhaustive search. Here goes:

1) I KNOW I'm going to get in trouble in this car. The best way to minimize this is with my radar detector. I like the Valentine One, but I know others who swear by their brand. In any case, what's the best way to set up for a radar detector since the power outlet is in the back of the cockpit?

2) What should I do as a new owner to protect my investment? Do you recomend the dealer's offer to seal the paint? This is my first convertible so is there some treatment I should do to the top while it's new? Or periodically? Do you recommend any leather treatment since it's going to get lot's of exposure to the sun?

3) What about keeping it looking as hot is it is now? Can I take it through the normal carwash? Does that damage/fade the roof? Should I do something else to take care of it?

These are probably questions that get covered fairly regularly, so sorry if they're repeats, but I LOVE this car and want to make sure it looks as good five years from now as it does today.

Thanks for the help!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by seidways
[B]Hi all,

I just got mine on Saturday.

 

1) I KNOW I'm going to get in trouble in this car. The best way to minimize this is with my radar detector. I like the Valentine One, but I know others who swear by their brand. In any case, what's the best way to set up for a radar detector since the power outlet is in the back of the cockpit?

Answer: I have been driving for over 34 years and have never had a detector of any type and have never had any tickets of any sort. I suggest you save your $$$ and just drive smartly. don't do long periods of fast driving and NEVER race on the street.

2) What should I do as a new owner to protect my investment? Do you recomend the dealer's offer to seal the paint? This is my first convertible so is there some treatment I should do to the top while it's new? Or periodically? Do you recommend any leather treatment since it's going to get lot's of exposure to the sun?

Answer: I got the sealant as well and would probably not do it again because I could protect the paint with waxing. A lot of owners swer by using Zaino for the paint. Others, like me, use Meguiar's. I believe most people use 3M's 303 Aerospace protectant for vinyl. That's what I use and am extremely happy with it. Meguiar's also has some handy leather care wipes. Check out www.properautocare.com for a bunch of great products.

3) What about keeping it looking as hot is it is now? Can I take it through the normal carwash? Does that damage/fade the roof? Should I do something else to take care of it?

Answer: I believe your owner's manual recommends that you never take your S through a car wash. Hand washing is the best method. The above site will help you there as well.

Since you're new, make sure you read your manual and check your oil level frequently.

 

forget about the sealant, its just another way for the stealership to make money.

go with meguiars high tech yellow #26 wax and you'll get excellent protection and shine.

never take the car to a automatic car wash, the water pressure is sure to cause leaks in the convertible top. they also like to scratch up your wheels when you put it on the rails. always hand wash.

 

Check out the Wash and Wax forum for more info on keeping it looking sweet. I use Zaino, and love it!

I have a Passport 8500 Radar detector People will debate Passport/V1 all day long, my only point is that there are instructions in the library area of S2ki.com on how to hard wire your radar detector. Here are some pix of my install:

 

Don't forget to find the hidden compartment.

 

Thanks for all of the info.

Is the hidden compartment the one under the wind screen? The dealer pointed that out or I would have missed it, even after reading the whole manual. (Well, maybe not EVERY word, but I most.)