1. i dunno y, but yes, the gear knob does get scratches somehow... but nothing to worry about
2. my recaros' my are mint!! hehehe will be 2 years on April 28th, =P

2nd gear is a bitch "sometimes", a common prob with DC5R, search around, there's bound to be a few threads on it here, or try www.clubrsx.com they will def have it

Good luck on ur purchase dude!!