Well , at my test drive on Saturday , the dealer was keen to get everyones orders for accessories in so that they would certainly be here with the cars.

As previously stated , the prices are OBSCENE and limited what I was prepared to order, but in the end I went for -

- Brushed Strakes (mandatory really)
- Brushed front accent
- Bonnet Dampers

What has everyone else gone for ?

Scuff plates,
Cheapo mats,
Passenger footrest.

I fancied the bonnet struts too but the report from the USA of the bonnet being bentby the force applied to close it made me think twice. It's a one off post and not corroborated but with the bonnet being aluminium I could understand it happening.

I don't agree about the strakes being mandatory. I'm not sold on them...

lol, my dealer hasnt figured out what customer service is yet, let alone what optional extras I want.

Seriously considering moving my order to another garage, but the location of the next nearest isnt great for me.

- Brushed Strakes (mandatory really) - yep, mandatory for me (I'm bulk buying vasalene on this deal).
- Brushed front accent - nah, nice but far to much cash, didnt US get both for less?
- Bonnet Dampers - You DO know these have caused damage to bonnets in the US riiight?

Then I'll probably look for some 18"x8" alloy to keep in the garage so I can at least swap whilst I get a tyre repaired.

I'd like mats, but willing to go halfords on this one, as £50+ is pathetic, and £200+ for mudflaps? if I decide I like the look and it gets to be a problem I'll see what 3rd party stuff is around.

Remember, all this stuff is dealer fit, and can be added later when you feel like it, no need to rus (apart from the strakes of course!)

Originally posted by Lensman
Scuff plates,
Cheapo mats,
Passenger footrest.

Scuff plates? I thik we may get them fitted anyhow, last lot of info we got had them checked as standard fit ? £200 if not.

Cheapo floor mats are still £40!

Passenger footrest is £190, for its size/looks probably th ebest value optional extra!

Originally posted by morganrogers
Well , at my test drive on Saturday , the dealer was keen to get everyones orders for accessories in so that they would certainly be here with the cars.

As previously stated , the prices are OBSCENE and limited what I was prepared to order, but in the end I went for -

- Brushed Strakes (mandatory really)
- Brushed front accent
- Bonnet Dampers

What has everyone else gone for ?

Have you seen the brushed strakes? I remember someone reporting that the shiny ones looked far better, even on the titanium. Where's your review BTW!:D

Lensman - you heretic, how can you not love the strakes??;) Seriously, I didn't mention it in my revirew but one thing I was disappointed in was the quality of the plastic air vents behind the wheel arch, they looked very cheap. I think the strakes are the only way to detract from this fact.
The passenger footrest is standard on the hi-power as well.

Rob - we do get scuffplates but you can buy a larger one, that's the one in the accessory brochure. As for moving dealer, I'd ask which one has fewer pre-orders as they are most likely to get your car to you first - it's too close to delivery to worry about customer service , as long as they bother to tell you the car has arrived that is!:p

A Drivers footrest is standard (as is the ali pedal set).

I havnt seen anything about the passengers one!

Well , brushed/polished was a bit decision - I have not seen them on the car for real.

In the end I went brushed for the ligher colour being greater contrast to the titanium paint , and also they will match the finish of the wheels (sort of).

If they are wrong , then I am sure by meeting the cost of labour I will be able to get them changed. (maybe!)

ref Bonnet flex - Not worried. Frequent oil checks make these a real bonus. Any problems with flex is a warranty issue...

Ok, after much debate as they're still too expensive.

1. Strakes (polished)
2. Rotor accents (polished)
3. Bonnet struts
4. Red mats
5. Parking Sensors

Cheers
Oilman

My shortlist is down to the following 7 items of which I will pick 4 or 5 from:

Rotary Crest (Polished)
Strakes (Air outlet fins - Polished)
Exhaust Surround Trim
Fuel Filler Lid
B-Pillar Trim
Illuminated Gear Knob (Red)
Floor Mats (red)

I am set on the following

Front Rotary Accent (polished)
Strakes (polished)
Start Button (from Japan)
Window Tints (although I have yet to find someone fairly local)
Floor Mats (from Halfords or somewhere)
Exhaust Finishers (I am sure someone will produce these "aftermarket" soon as it is only sheet aluminium)
Baby on Board sticker (joking)

(I might order the Accent and Strakes from japanparts aswell if I can find good fitting instructions)

Chris

Strakes (Polished)
Filler Cap (Polished)
Rotary Accent (Maybe)
Tints (Maybe)

Will Floor Mats from Halfords fit with the drivers 'bump' .

I think the following if I can stretch;

Front Rotary Accent
Strakes
Window Tints
Bigger Exhaust and Exhaust housing
Door foot plate
Illuminated gear stick

rael

Before any mortgages their house for the Mazda accessories, have a look at www.japanparts.com (http://www.japanparts.com/shop/shop.cgi?mode=list2&maker=Mazda&type_car=RX%2d8+SE3P) for some more reaslistic prices. They have had a good write up on the US forums. There are shipping costs, so it might be worth a few people getting together to place an order.

I quite like the US style hoop spoiler, but apparently the lip spoiler requires holes so you'd have to tell Mazda not to fit it on arrival in the UK.

Cheers
---Dave

Originally posted by druck
Before any mortgages their house for the Mazda accessories, have a look at www.japanparts.com (http://www.japanparts.com/shop/shop.cgi?mode=list2&maker=Mazda&type_car=RX%2d8+SE3P) for some more reaslistic prices. They have had a good write up on the US forums. There are shipping costs, so it might be worth a few people getting together to place an order.

I quite like the US style hoop spoiler, but apparently the lip spoiler requires holes so you'd have to tell Mazda not to fit it on arrival in the UK.

Cheers
---Dave

I liked it also, but the lip has four holes to attached it. Probably the reason it's not being offered.

Would'nt it be fitted at the factory?

I had an official quote from japanparts.com for the following, I will post details later on when I get home.

Front Rotary Accent (polished)
Strakes (polished)
Start Button

Chris

What about the 'Owners club' doing a mass purchase?

Originally posted by RobDickinson
A Drivers footrest is standard (as is the ali pedal set).

I havnt seen anything about the passengers one!

Well there's a big picture of it in the brochure. It complements the driver's side kit.

i consider -


strakes - brushed
spare wheel
rear parking sensors (not really for me for the missus really.)

not sure about much else cost a fortune.

lol, I've seen it in the broscure, I meant as a freebie.

i.e. I havnt seen it stated that we get the passenger footrest for free in the hi-powered car.

We do however get the drivers footrest free.

Ive spoke to my dealer today, and after going away to check they can offer me no discount on accessories even if I spend £500 or more.

Before I commit to buying accessories, maybe it would be a good idea to look at some sort of group buy from Japanparts.com as their prices look quite good.

Im not sure the best way practically we could do this though, any suggestions?

Here are the details of the parts I asked for a quote on from japanparts.com

Mazda Parts for RX-8>
*091-010-004 Start Button Kit: 20,700 JPY (£111.66) (£N/A)
*091-005-001 Rotary Crest for Front (in polished aluminium): 8,200 JPY (£44.23) (£74.95)
*091-005-003 Air Outlet Garnish Set (in polished aluminium): 23,000 JPY (£127.08) (£169.95)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Parts Total: 50,900 JPY (£374.57)
*Shipping to UK via EMS: 3,350 JPY (£18.07)
(It'll take about 12-14 days (business day) to get to
UK since we receive your payment. )
---If you would pay by credit card.---
*Mail Order Card Sale(5%) by C.C. Company: 2,855 JPY (£15.40)
================================================== ===
GRAND TOTAL: 57,105 JPY (£308.09) (£244.90)



All £ prices in red are calculated by me this evening, green prices are UK fitted prices

Given that the shipping is only about £18 I don't think we would save much with a bulk order only if they gave us a discount on the costs of the parts.

Like I said the only thing stopping me ordering is the hassle of fitting the parts myself.

Chris

Originally posted by RobDickinson
lol, I've seen it in the broscure, I meant as a freebie.

i.e. I havnt seen it stated that we get the passenger footrest for free in the hi-powered car.

We do however get the drivers footrest free.

Ah, right. Sorry! :D

Sorry guys but at the moment any discusion of a group buy is not permitted by forum rules.

If people seriously want to get a group buy going for these I will have to ask permission.

P.S. You will have to add 17.5% VAT to those prices as customs will definitely want their piece of the action.

Oh, and unless japanparts was going to offer a serious disccount a group buy on these isn't any cheaper. I got a quote of about £40 delivery on a £500 order.
So I think it works out just as well to put in individual orders. At least then you don't have to re-ship parts to other people.

Well I have gone well over the top !
I have ordered :

FRONT ROTARY CREST (Brushed)
STRAKES (Brushed)
EXHAUST TRIMS
SCUFF PLATES
ILLUMINATED GEAR KNOB (Black)
LEATHER HANDBRAKE (Black)
LEATHER CENTRE CONSOLE LID FRONT (Black)
LEATHER CENTRE CONSOLE LID REAR (Black)
FLOOR MATS
AIR VENT BEZEL
MINI DISC PLAYER

Sod the money, I want my perfect car !

Do you know how much discount my dealer offered me......?






NONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


P.S.
I asked dealer for the price of the aluminium window switches, he phoned me back and told me they had been withdrawn as the trim keeps falling off.

Originally posted by oilman
Ok, after much debate as they're still too expensive.
4. Red mats
5. Parking Sensors

Halfords do a nice set of 4 mats for about £30. They're black with red trims, perfect for my SO's 206 GTi and any other sporty red car.

Now, about the parking sensor. Given that there's no point of reference to denote the back of the car (no aerial or loop spoiler) I think it's an essential accessory to avoid heart breaking prangs and scratches without having to be overcautious by leaving a thoughtless 4 foot gap between your car and the one behind. Trouble is the 4 sensors are quite visible even if painted in the body colour. I would have thought mounting ultrasonics or something else inside the bumper would have worked okay?

In my complete history of driving I've reversed into something a total of Zero times.

I dont plan to start with the 8.

Rob - probably the wose thing you could have said, tempting fate I think.

rael

Its not fate. Its skill, judgment , or whatever.

If I'm not sure, I can get out and look. low speed manouvering damage is 100% preventable.

Probably a stupid question..but do I take it the standard gear knob, handbrake lever grip and centre console lids are plastic, even when you spec. leather seats?

Originally posted by dj_nacho
Probably a stupid question..but do I take it the standard gear knob, handbrake lever grip and centre console lids are plastic, even when you spec. leather seats?

Yes - unfortunately :(

Originally posted by simrjor
Will Floor Mats from Halfords fit with the drivers 'bump' .

Floor Mats (Halfords)
Stanley Knife (B&Q)

Originally posted by JohnnyCumLately
Floor Mats (Halfords)
Stanley Knife (B&Q)

You'll also need a permanent marker from Staples to write 'RX-8' on them.

Finally put my order in today as follows:

1. Air outlet fins - polished - essential IMHO

2. Rotary Accent - polished - did think about painting it as seen in US thread but dont want to risk it looking crap on a £24k car.

3. B-Pillar trim - Am getting the windows tinted as well, so hopefully this will help set it off.

4. Red Illuminated Geat knob - Just fancied this, especially after reading the numbers are wearing off the gearstick on US cars. This is also the only accessory that is cheaper in the UK than on www.japanparts.com

5. Mats - Red/Black - Begrudgingly have to have them and can't get them to throw them in. First time ive ever paid for mats. :(

6. Tints - Not at the Mazda dealers as they were too expensive, but I have found another local recommended garage a lot cheaper.

This combination of accessories is now Copyright (c) Mark Williams 2003, and no other person is allowed to choose exacly the same. :D

Don't want mine to look like yours anyway:p

But.............It's gonna reading your list apart from the parking sensors so it will have less scratches on the rear:eek:

Does not bode well for the RX8 Owners Club meetings:(

Cheers
Oilman

Re-thought mine as follows;

- Tyre deflectors front & back
- Passenger aluminium footrest
- Scuff plate set
- luxury car mats black
- Leather Illuminated gear nob black
- Leather handbrake black
- Leather centre console front & rear in black
- Centre piano trim piano black
- RX8 dash emblem
- Sport exhaust
- Rotary crest polished
- Exhaust trim
- Air outlets polished
- pillar trim
- tape deck

Adding a bit of luxury inside and aluminium outside. Costly though.

rael

Have no intenetion of buying a single part off mazda at their stupid prices. Will buy from aftermarket.

Originally posted by rael
Re-thought mine as follows;

- Tyre deflectors front & back
- Passenger aluminium footrest
- Scuff plate set
- luxury car mats black
- Leather Illuminated gear nob black
- Leather handbrake black
- Leather centre console front & rear in black
- Centre piano trim piano black
- RX8 dash emblem
- Sport exhaust
- Rotary crest polished
- Exhaust trim
- Air outlets polished
- pillar trim
- tape deck

Adding a bit of luxury inside and aluminium outside. Costly though.

rael

Blimey Rael,

Thats about an extra £2k in Mazda's coffers isnt it :eek:


It's gonna reading your list apart from the parking sensors so it will have less scratches on the rear

Oilman,

I dont want people thinking I cant park by having horrible round disks attached to the rear of my car :p

Cheers
Mark

More like £2.5k but to be honest I don't think the prices are that bad when considering the low price of the fully loaded base car which includes a lot of what would normal be accessories, and the price of extras elsewhere (ie BMW, Merc etc). Perhaps if we are comparing to Ford or the like then they may be more expensive.

But having shelled out the base price the leather interior to replace plastic is a quality improvment especially the gear stick which will be in my hand all the time. The trye deflectors make the car look meaner without the whole kit and adding alluminium compliments the tit grey.

Also, I would prefer Mazda to fit them so that they are covered under their warranty and quality is guaranteed.

I also think that 10% of the value of the car in accessories is quite normal.

rael

Polished strakes.
Passenger footrest.
Basic mats.
Scuff plates.
RAC Trackstar system.

This is a very obvious suggestion so I apologise for being rude but nevertheless:
For those of you ordering the iluminated gear shift knob remember to ask for the original when you accept the car. You paid for it and it's a good spare (I'll have it if you don't want it ;) )

1. Air outlet fins - polished
2. Rotary Accent - polished
3. Black lux car mats

Right, I've decided on the following;

Externally

Front and rear tyre deflectors (Got to be a goer, have you SEEN page 25 of the latest brochure, they add a real presence to the car) IMO
Rotary Crest in Polished aluminium
Polished aluminium air outlet fins
Reversing aid (possibly, Not for me you understand but for pregnant partner!)

Internally

Nothing yet, will probably go third party and get the start button eventually
leathers knbs and handles, (eventually)

I think the internal spec as standard is pretty good anyway.

Oh and some sort of tracker and laser detector thingy. Still deciding.



:D :D

For me I think wll have to limit myself to:

Rotary Crest in Polished aluminium
Polished aluminium air outlet fins
Tailored floor mats

Tracker Monitor (from Tracker directly)

Start button (when I can find some installation instructions)

Chris

Originally posted by Edo
Have no intenetion of buying a single part off mazda at their stupid prices. Will buy from aftermarket.

I think I'll just wait til the first owners club meeting!;) :p


only joking!

Hmmm, ok...

Go-faster strakes, probably polished
The rotary key thing and strap (I'm a sucker for jewellery)
Maybe floor mats
Maybe scuff plates

Avoiding Mazda UK if at all possible of course...

Anyone know

1) how decent the standard scuff plates are? Will they defend the sills against my clumsy feet? I might not bother with the fancier ones if they're just cosmetic...

2) if I'd have to go anywhere special to get the key cut or should any decent locksmith be able to deal with it? Never had to have a car key cut before...

Cheers :)

Originally posted by lurcher
Hmmm, ok...

Go-faster strakes, probably polished
The rotary key thing and strap (I'm a sucker for jewellery)
Maybe floor mats
Maybe scuff plates

Avoiding Mazda UK if at all possible of course...

Anyone know

1) how decent the standard scuff plates are? Will they defend the sills against my clumsy feet? I might not bother with the fancier ones if they're just cosmetic...

2) if I'd have to go anywhere special to get the key cut or should any decent locksmith be able to deal with it? Never had to have a car key cut before...

Cheers :)

You're a traitor to us all if you buy that key and its case. That's the purest symbol of Mazda's greed and customer contempt! :(

Originally posted by Lensman
You're a traitor to us all if you buy that key and its case. That's the purest symbol of Mazda's greed and customer contempt! :(

Nah, that would be the watch :)

http://www.mazdavictoria.com/accesories/rx8.htm

which I'm sorely tempted by as well...

Originally posted by lurcher
Nah, that would be the watch :)

http://www.mazdavictoria.com/accesories/rx8.htm

which I'm sorely tempted by as well...

If there's any justice we'll be getting one of those watches free for the hassle we've endured. No chance of that then...

I think the watch is free (mine was) and I think we should also be getting free mats at least. I must say I am expecting something off the accessories I am considering.

rael

Originally posted by rael
I think the watch is free (mine was)

Which kind was it that you got? There are three at least - the Sinn chronograph being given to German buyers, and the two older Seiko jobs shown on this page:

http://www.rx7world.com/NewParts/Apperal/apperal.htm

You have some impressive blagging skills if you managed to persuade them to shell out for the Sinn - they're rather expensive. :)

Originally posted by lurcher
Which kind was it that you got? There are three at least - the Sinn chronograph being given to German buyers, and the two older Seiko jobs shown on this page:

http://www.rx7world.com/NewParts/Apperal/apperal.htm


I dont like the look of the second one, the external rotary shape looks a bit pointed if you were to catch yourself on it.

The first one is the right idea of the combustion chamber containing the rotor - if only they made it the right size - its too small so there is a huge gap around it. That will never work, unlike the one I made out of cardboard last night (sad I know).

Cheers
---Dave

Originally posted by lurcher
Which kind was it that you got? There are three at least - the Sinn chronograph being given to German buyers, and the two older Seiko jobs shown on this page:

http://www.rx7world.com/NewParts/Apperal/apperal.htm

You have some impressive blagging skills if you managed to persuade them to shell out for the Sinn - they're rather expensive. :)

I wouldn't mind a free Sinn watch. Anyone Asked Chris Twine for one?

Its the 2nd older one ($159.67) but actually looks better than the photo. Nice enough to be admired for its shape alone.

rael

Ok, after all that body kit dreaming I eventually only ordered:

Exterior

Polished outlet fins
Polished Rotary crest
Bonnet stay damper

Interior

Lux car mats - Black


To be honest when I had the test drives I thought the interior was fantastic, so I'm going to pretend that there are no other interior options available ,and throw the accessories magazine away.

Although I may get some scuff plates at a later date if I do start scuffing up the sills

Once I find out when car will arrive:-


All polished

Strakes
Polished Wheels (OUCH"!!!!!!)
Exhaust surrounds
Rotary crest
Fuel filler
Re-mortgage!!

Originally posted by rael
Re-thought mine as follows;

...
- Sport exhaust
...



I still haven't seen any definative answer to what the sports exhaust is.

It looks pretty much identical to the normal one in the brouchure, if not its only millimeters of difference. Is it just louder?

Cheers
---Dave

Originally posted by rich606
Polished Wheels (OUCH"!!!!!!)

Get em while their hot. 'Parently Mazda have stoped selling them in US. Are replacing them with chromed versions.


As for the sports exauhst , I'd say save ya money and wait for an after market version, get something like the borla one.

The you'll get the old one, and the new one, and know what your getting (plus have the stock one spare). Mazda's sports exauhst is a complete unknown, and not a cheap one.

I dont realy like bodykits, but some of the RX-8 parts are ok, bot that I'll be getting. I'll just get the obligatory air outlet strakes and leave it at that for now. Can always add them later or get 3rd party versions.

Originally posted by rich606
Once I find out when car will arrive:-

...
Polished Wheels (OUCH"!!!!!!)
...
Re-mortgage!!

Is the ouch because the prive is per wheel? I wasn't sure, but given the prices of everything else, wouldn't be surprised.

I like the look of the polished wheels, but they are going to take a hell of a lot of cleaning to look nice. Brake dust, tar and general road grime is going to be a lot more obvious than on the standard set.

Good luck to you, bent over with your toothbrush every sunday morning (cleaning them, before anyone misinterprets that :) ).

Cheers
---Dave

Originally posted by druck
I still haven't seen any definative answer to what the sports exhaust is.

It looks pretty much identical to the normal one in the brouchure, if not its only millimeters of difference. Is it just louder?

Cheers
---Dave

Standard Exhaust: zoom zoom
Sports Exhaust: ZOOM ZOOM

:)

I wondered the same about the price of the polished alloys... if it is £374.95/ wheel do you get to keep your standard wheels?

You should get to keep your standard wheels (better had!).

And at £375 per I hope they come with tyres also.

or thats per set or something.

Looking at the other prices (remember £130 for a key and case) that'll be per wheel, no tyre, and they keep the old wheels...

Guys,

I have orderd my accessories, brushed fins for my velocity red 8 +mats with red finish.

Originally posted by dj_nacho
I wondered the same about the price of the polished alloys... if it is £374.95/ wheel do you get to keep your standard wheels?


Judging by price of other accs I was under the impression that it was cost per wheel without tyre! If I am wrong then i will be pleased!! Will definitley get to keep old ones. Three of which i shall sell on (keep one for a spare).

I have asked dealer to price me up a standard wheel & he promised to ring me straight back with cost. (Last Thurs & still waiting!!)

I know that they will be a sh!t to keep clean but I'm buying a black car so what's new!!

Ordered Outlet fins (Strakes)
Rotary Crest

Both polished!

I'm going for the brushed strakes ...

They look really nice on some of the top end Merc's I've seen recently and I think the polished ones will look a bit tacky

Rob, check your details about keeping the original wheels as well to avoid disappointment BEFORE putting your money down....

There is loads of debate about brushed or polished strakes, is there actually anybody not ordering this accessory, or are they mandatory?
Still not sure myself, but in view of their popularity would my car be more unique without strakes!!

I wish I'd taken a picture when they were all layed out in a glass case at the Gaydon preview. However there were prices next to them and I just couldn't beleive it at the time, so had some sort of aversion to going over that side of the room again. :(

Cheers
---Dave

Having seen the illuminated gear knob today I was surprised that the metal at the top (normally aluminium in style) is chromed. It didn't look as nice to my eye. Beware.

Does this mean that a lot of people are not going for the leather option.

While I like the option not sure if the electric adj and seat heaters are worth it - probably more things to go wrong really

Sam

It will have to get a bit colder in the mornings before you see the full worth of the heated seats, but they do feel nice. The electric adjustment means you can safely adjust them while moving to get the ideal driving position, which isn't easy when stationary.

I did read on the US forum that the chrome on the illuminated gear knob wore off after a while - which would be bad news given the amount of use it gets, putting the renasis through its paces.

Cheers
---Dave

On the subject of the electric seat - does the one in the RX8 have memory settings? My T5 has 3 memory buttons which is really useful for swapping drivers and getting the seat in the right position if you've moved it for rear access..

Unfortunately not. But then there is no need to move the seat for rear access unless you are carrying an elephant.

Cheers
---Dave

Just ordered the luxury mats and set of mud flaps today.

Has anyone else ordered the flaps? Looking at their demo car hopefully the rear ones at least may help reduce the spray on the rear. Managed to get them with a 12% discount - a nice Mazda dealer at last?