General

Although no doubt when you want to pick up your new car you'll want to get it over with so you can go and have fun. Slow down, relax, make sure you do things right. Go over the car, check for paint defects, check everything works (lights, stereo, electric windows, wipers etc). Although the dealer should have check this, they're human, often rushed and may have missed something. Maybe go for a quick drive with the dealer IN the car (often it's the case that once you've driven it off the dealers premises without the dealer that you now accept responsibility). Do this BEFORE signing the paper work.

One other thing, if you do/do not want the dealer to do something/include something etc, MAKE SURE IT IS WRITTEN DOWN on the contract. (eg. if you don't want dealer stickers, write it down). This isn't to prove anyone right or wrong, but makes things clear for everyone.

Note: Things vary from state to state, country to country. This is a general guide. Most of these things are about being careful, not making assumptions and writing things down. If you're not sure ask and if you get an answer, WRITE IT DOWN.

Keys

The 206GTI comes with 2 sets of keys. One has a remote. This seems kind of odd, but I guess they want to make a bit of money on the side. Remember this when you order or take delivery. (or use it as an excuse to your girlfriend/boyfriend/SO/Parents etc as to why they can't have a set :-)

Run in

Disclaimer: Running you car in according to manufacturers spec is absolutely critical. Do NOT rely on this information alone, check and discuss with your dealer. I will NOT be responsible if your car goes bang.

From a reputable source (some who is meant to be an authorised Peugeot Service Mechanic) I understand the following to be true.

New cars have improved in build quality greatly. New semi-synthetic oils have made great advances. This has lead to greater service times and also less problems with run in. What is "Run in"? Well, historically manufacturers have told people to treat their car carefully over the first x000km. This meant not keeping a constant RPM and not revving to highly. Some cars have now reached the point where this isn't an issue.

As I understand it Peugeot do not have a specific run in schedule for the 206GTI. I would recommened however, being careful for the first 500 to 1000km. Don't rev to high (say about 4000rpm). Some dealers like to check the car after a few thousand kms (before the 10000km service) and offer this check (and sometimes oil change) for free. Just take the first 500km easy, let the engine get use to running and have fun!

Paint

Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2000 23:04:08 GMT
From: andrew.macpherson

Just something small I would like to point out and some of you may have
noticed this. My eye for detail and expertise has always been in paint and
panel work after many years of restoring cars ( I leave it to the reviews
to tell me how good mechanically the Gti is) but I first noticed this
problem at the motor show, more so on the XR & XT but some Gti's. When the
door handle cavities are being stamped out by the press they are leaving
quite noticable wobbles and waves, one or two and sometimes three each
side. I know after waiting a long time for your car, you will take it
despite this problem but it should not be there and should be fixed at some
stage (just take note upon delivery).

Now, they may have fixed the problem that was on the early batches and I
looked at my Gti (finally) yesterday and it was perfect around the door
handles except for the 1 inch long door ding in the left hand rear quarter
#@!*. Get your knees dirty and thoroughly look up and down the vehicle
because delivery dings are common and not every one notices them until you
come out of a car park and you think it happened then.