Preorder stuff goes both ways often. The way you can tell if it is on the disc is when you download it. If the file is less than a megabyte it is likely just an unlock code. Most unlock codes are 100kb on PSN. If it is larger then you are likely downloading the assets themselves. I have seen it go both ways.
What dave_sz said - preorder a copy at every location required to get the game, use the code, then return it. That's what I've decided to do here in the UK so I placed (in addition to my Collectors Edition) orders for three copies of the standard edition, one each from the three retailers doing the stealth promotions. Once I get the codes, I'll either cancel the orders if possible, or just send them back for a refund under the distance selling rule.
It's because we are idiots and will happily accept poor value for money.
No, no, no, no. What would happen in this case is all discs will have all the bonus cars already on them in an unaccessible way. Your code will download a file that tells the game you are authorized to access certain cars and so it just unlocks them. The cars you don't get are still there, but you aren't allowed to get to them.
The stealth cars are free bonuses for preordering. You won't pay extra for the one you get. The chromeline cars are technically paid for, but I don't think it is worth getting in a fuss over a special paint scheme.
It's true, we are happy to pay inflated prices so guess what? is it fair? To be honest, I don't really concern myself over it because there is more to life than the cost of a few items relative to their cost in other countries. I don't live in the US, nor do I have the desire to. Here in the UK I live a happy, comfortable life with my wife and daughter. You cannot put a price on that.ECGadget
