I'm pretty sure PDI is required. It also gets you a full tank of gas. While a short test drive by the dealer is probably fine, the dealers have seen enough S2000's by now that the novelty of abusing one fresh off the boat/train/carrier has probably worn off.

The only thing permissible (IMHO) for the dealer to put on your car is a plastic license plate frame, as well as the temp tags in the windshield. Nothing else.

Better to have the checklist and use it to go over the car yourself before signing off on it. Check for spring spacers while the car is there.

 

Thanks all EXCEPT for;
psycho s2000
twisted s2k
slverknight
and to you I say GROW UP, I ask a sensable serious question,based on experences and you three children chime in with your smart ass child like remarks.

 

 

Hey, I've been going through this process on a '04. Here is what I'm learning:



-Get the VIN/Price/ETA in writing, without any of those they can game you (and have)

-Also get it in writing that your deposit is refundable, and then be ready to either stop payment on the check or call the credit card company before you walk out on a deal.

-Don't worry too much about the PDI (they have to do it), but make sure to do your own when it gets here. Also you can ask to go along for the PDI checkride.
(I have a collection of stuff for my PDI and would be glad to send a copy to you)

-I would ask them not to wax it and to leave the plastic on, this way they won't scratch it. (and it seems to be a common problem)

-DO NOT be afraid to shop other dealers and be ready to walk on the deal at any time in the process.

-I've found that it doesn't hurt to let them know you're shopping other dealers either.

-Have your financing ready so you don't feel overwhelmed when they come in high

-Know the resale value of your trade in car before you even talk to them about it.

-Finally, get what YOU want and not what THEY want. You're paying a lot of money for this car, don't regret getting the wrong one for the next 5 years. And be ready to walk on the deal if you aren't comfortable with it. Seriously.


Can you tell I've had quite an experience with the dealers here in Raleigh? I don't want to sound bitter, but I thought I could find a great dealership (they gotta be out there right?) and it wasn't the case for me. Now I go in every time with my defenses on high.

I hope your experience goes better and I would ask the people on your regional board for a recommendation if you are having any trouble finding a good place. (The guy that was recommended to me got promoted, and thats when all this stuff happened).

Best of Luck!!!

 

One more thing:

Make sure to treat them with respect too. Although some definitely don't deserve it, respecting them will get you far, especially when we have special requests on deviating from their normal PDI process.

Just don't ask for too much in writing, be firm but fair.

 

Get the front license plate plugs!!! Not sure if FL is a state that requires a front license plate, but if it's not, make sure you get the plugs.

Also, chill out if people give sarcastic answers to your questions. . . the internet is a pretty casual place, where people basically go to waste time (yes, and to learn, but more to waste time). You'll get a few wiseasses in every crowd. If people piss you off that much, there's always the "Ignore" button too. Not a flame, just on opinion.

 

Everyone on their best behavior... we have a newb that cant take jokes....




Good luck on gettin the car. you'll love it. You'll probably enjoy it alot more if you dont start off being so anal about it. Like other said, most dealers should let you go along for the PDI test drive, leave the plastics on until you can take them off with care, as the S2000's paint is easy to scratch. Keep a coat of wax on her to protect the paint and keep up on maintenance and you'll be good to go. Drive it and enjoy it.

Sorry for the joke, but this is a light hearted community where everyone comes to talk cars and get away from other stresses that we encounter. Welcome.

 

1) You can ask the dealer to do a minimum PDI but not to remove any plastic. There are several things the dealer needs to do but removing plastic, washing the car, and adding the dealer plate is not mandatory if you specifically ask them not to do these things.

2) Make sure you get all three keys and the radio security code.

3) My car had 6 miles on it when I picked it up, you shouldn't see many more than that, if the plastic is all still on then that shouldn't be an issue.

4) Do a thorough check of the car and look for any damage that may have occurred during transport. Try not to pick up the car at night, daylight is your friend.

5) The dealer should have checked all the fluids, installed the "spats", removed the spring spacers, etc. As for the full tank of gas they can give you a voucher for that, no sense in letting them take your car down the road to the gas station and risk the PDI guy not putting in the right grade of fuel.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

Why wouldn't you want your car cleaned up real pretty like for you when you take delivery?

 

cause they WILL swirl the hell out of your new paint

I have a PDI letter at home