What to expect ... new car ... pickup tomorrow

Greetings group, I'm off to pick up my 'new' '03 coupe tomorrow and I'm not quite sure what I should expect from the dealer. Oh sure, he'll get his money & I'll get the keys .... but how many keys would I receive if it were 'new'? Is there a valet key? Spare in bonnet is standard, right? Without knowing anything despite hours of reading through the forums, my expectations haven't changed any. I figure there should be at least 2 keys & an owners manual with a non-leaking rms (heheheh). If you have any thoughts on adjusted expectations or maybe something that I should expect, please, please, let me know! thanks!

Two sets of working keys, a valet key, owner's manuel, maintenance book, etc. Dealer inspection check list. Full walk through of the features of the car.

Don't forget loose pants... cause you can expect a woody.

why are people afraid to use the term "used"

I'm not, I purchased mine "pre-owned"... hehe

That's a good one. Get Depends too. You just might wet yourself. You should get the manual, warranty booklet, 2 keys + valet key, spare in trunk. I assume you have test driven it and scrutinized the condition of interior/exterior. Full tank of gas and full detail in/out. Expect sales trying to push for extended warranty and financing, ask for insurance card or you'll need to buy insurance if you don't have already. Pay some documentation fee (shouldn't be too excessive).

Funny how many dealers term their used cars.. How about, 'previously obsessed over' Or, 'certified' Once looked at a used car (Toyota), at a Toyota dealer that stated the car was 'certified' and has passed a four-hundred-thousand point inspection. Walked up to the car and opened the door only to find the door handle almost fell off in my hand. Had a big laugh at that. After only a minute or so looking at this particular car, found maybe 10 items that were 'missed' during the certification process Back to the topic. CONGRATS on the 996! I know its hard to overlook many of the details when taking delivery of such a cool car, but stick to your guns about any promises made by the dealer. Get any owed items put in writing as a due-bill. HAVE FUN!

earlyapex - thanks for the info! Wasn't sure if I should expect a valet key or not. moogle - You're right, it is used. But it's my 1st Porsche and new to me (which is what matters most, at least to me, hehe). I'm pretty excited (thanks phwang20 but don't need the loose pants, wrong chromosones) and am afraid that I would miss something in my eagerness to drive off. Sales guy did promise that it could be certified at a later date (@ his cost $1500) to qualify for the extended warranty. This normal? Regardless, I'm going to ask him to put it in writing. Should probably just ask 'em to do it now .... but that would subtract from my playtime! Will post a picture & change my sig later!

I jsut went throught this - make sure check the car out again youself - we found a loose wire for the windshield nozzel heaters & had it fixed there. 2 keys, manuals, spare, etc. (i did not get the valet key, as it was long gone) - later i recieved all the stock parts (rear seats, 030 suspension, center console, paperwork, etc.) from the PO. all of my cars have been bought Used BTW except my landcruisers - maybe one day i will buy a new one off the lot - just can't get over the first 2 years depriciation thing though.

Congrats! I would do it now if you're going to do it (ext War). Once you leave the lot expect nothing. You should be fine with an '03. Good yr, end of 996 line, all bugs worked out! Enjoy.

Make sure you get the special socket for the lockable lugnut on each wheel.

Love this car! Home from the dealer and it has rained the whole day long! Can't wait for better weather to go out & play. The car came with everything you guys told me: 2 keys + valet & all of the paperwork. I was, however, more than a little disappointed with a few minor things which went unnoticed until my final inspection: rattle in cluster (maybe speedo cable?), unacceptable breakage in the handbrake cover, and a couple of nasty ****** in the paint under a front license cover. This last one is going to require a couple of hundred bucks to repair at a body shop. I didn't even think to check under there before signing to take the car & leaving a deposit. The detail was bad but the weather has been bad and nobody ever does as nice a job as me on my cars. However, the biggie for me (almost worth walking away from the depost) was a misunderstaning about the headlights. I had been sure that it had xenons and that was a big reason for picking this particular car & paying this dealer's premium...... but it doesn't. Figured I was too far along in the deal and the salesguy never told me that it had them; just assumed, I guess so my bad. In retrospect, I like the gt3 & some aftermarket bumpers better anyway. And I think there are some post-sale xenon options, right? Just going to start the modding a little sooner than planned. And here's a pic of us on the way home ... in the rain but the sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dol....

Great owner-challenged car. Enjoy!

I'm not sure that certifying later is possible. I would pay the $1549 for the extended warranty now for two reasons: 1.) it is cheap and it is Porsche Factory protection. 2.) It will be an asset if/when selling the car. I bought a 99 Cab CPO in may. LOve it! Good luck, and post some pictures!