Ok I am very confused. I have seen so many dates on when I can actually drive one home, from as early as September 2002 to as late as March 2003. Anyone know when is will be hitting the showrooms?

supposedly in the begining of the 2003 calendar year ... the Sept date may have been confused with the Mazda6 coming out

Tentative March 2003.

My dealer is still telling me Feb’03.

Tokyo auto show: my crystal ball says it will be released there; for sale soon after.

when is the tokyo show?

end of October. Prototype showed there; current rx8 showed there.

3 months doesn't usually seem so far off, but waiting that long for new info might make scream!!:D i thought talking on this forum would would help me calm down but i am really starting to jones for new info on this car. i haven't been this excited about a car since i bought my '65 stang.

I've seen varying release dates as well, but spring 2003 seems to tbe commonly quoted one. A reputable source on the Miata board claimed that production will start in January 2003, with Japan getting the first batches (obviously).

It is promising to hear that a few pre-production models have been spotted in the US. Maybe the car will be released sooner rather than later?

Mazda's Summer 2002 magazine says "early summer 2003".

What miata board was that one? Miata.net?

Originally posted by TheLaw
What miata board was that one? Miata.net?

Yes, miata.net.

I've seen everywhere on the websites and official talk about the RX8 that it is coming out Spring 2003 The first day of Spring is March 20, 2003 (yes, my B-day is on that day).

I was reading in this month's Autocar (UK) that the RX-8 won't be out until June 03. Does this seem right? That's a long way off the timetable that's been discussed up to now.

I have been told Feb of march 2003

I called Mazda on this issue. And according to Mazda North America, in Irvine CA, it is set to go into JOB 1 in February (meaning production). The car should hit US showroom floors within about a month and a half after that. So roughly mid March or Early April. Obviously, this information is tenative, and I agree with the earlier reply that states all definite information will be verified during the Tokyo autoshow.

Houston RX8

Check out the Paris SHow above which runs from Septemebr 28th through October 13th.:cool:

i haven't been this excited about a car since i bought my '65 stang.......................:D haha

Originally posted by houstonRX8
I called Mazda on this issue. And according to Mazda North America, in Irvine CA, it is set to go into JOB 1 in February (meaning production). The car should hit US showroom floors within about a month and a half after that. So roughly mid March or Early April. Obviously, this information is tenative, and I agree with the earlier reply that states all definite information will be verified during the Tokyo autoshow.

Houston RX8

Makes sense, that's where they released all their previous information.

The RX-8 is already out in Japan. There's a guy in Houston who is driving a red one. He imported it. Of course, since it was imported from Japan, it is right hand drive... But he's driving it around.

that can't be correct. they haven't even started production yet. in fact the y haven't even shut down the plant to do the tooling needed for the new car yet. maybe its one of the pre-production ones being tested in that area?

Originally posted by Varno
Ok I am very confused. I have seen so many dates on when I can actually drive one home, from as early as September 2002 to as late as March 2003. Anyone know when is will be hitting the showrooms?

hey im in irvine!!!;)

It is not out in Japan!! just like their american counterpart, their website has the reader survey and inquary form to fill out for additional info WHEN IT COMES OUT. www.mazda.co.jp
http://www.rx-8.mazda.co.jp/?ref=official_news
As the site suggests, I think we'll see a lot more at the Tokyo Motor Show, Oct 29-Nov.3.

It seems Mazda Japan is pushing the Demio at lot more than the RX8 as there are promotional events, gift cards, credit cards offered for the Demio rather than 8; draw your own conclusion on their expectation/advertising strategy.

It will be here in soon enough, i wanna test drive one, see if they will let me write a review on one.....i wish. but i will see, maybe do an advertisement on the page in exchange......i wish again. Where the hell did i put that genie?

Just talked to one of our local dealers. They are not taking any preorders or call lists, but I was told they would have showroom models in November 2003. She sounded very matter-of-fact about it, so I believe it to be more than just conjecture.

"We'll be getting them in November"

The saleman at our local Mazda dealership (probably the finest Mazda dealership in my state) said the RX-8 would be going into production in Feb 2003, with the first cars arriving in U.S. showrooms in March or April. He sounded pretty definate about the dates. Unfortunately, he couldn't offer any pricing info yet.

Originally posted by 2007RX-8
The saleman at our local Mazda dealership (probably the finest Mazda dealership in my state) said the RX-8 would be going into production in Feb 2003, with the first cars arriving in U.S. showrooms in March or April. He sounded pretty definate about the dates. Unfortunately, he couldn't offer any pricing info yet.

what makes it the finest mazda dealership?

my dealer told me march or april

My dealer told me October, November this year. That was in May.

Hey Tribal-

how were you able to place a deposit? The few dealerships in Houston all said that they weren't allowed to take deposits or orders etc...what is the name of your dealership?


HoustonRX8

Morrie's Mazda in Minnetonka Minnesota is accepting deposits. $500 guarantees you will pay no more than MSRP. :D

Ask for Susan Rathke when you call (http://www.northstarrotaries.com/vendors/vendor.asp?vendorid=7), and tell her Jim Linnihan sent you. I don't work for Mazda, but Morrie's is a sponsor for my club, and it will gain us brownie points for referring new customers. ;)

Oh, and March '03 is the date I have been hearing for near 6 months now...

Originally posted by houstonRX8
Hey Tribal-

how were you able to place a deposit? The few dealerships in Houston all said that they weren't allowed to take deposits or orders etc...what is the name of your dealership?


HoustonRX8

irvine mazda. its just a deposit, not a order. they said they dont know the final options and colors so we'll decide on all that later.

nota - i asked my dealer if there will be markups even with the deposit i already have, and he said yes possibly. the deposit just gurantees u a car, it doesnt gurantee the price, at least for my dealer. but i think u just ask ur dealer about that and double check:)

I got it in writing. ;) No more than MSRP. And the $500 is obviously applied to the purchase price of the car...

Your dealer is ripping you off. :mad: Get your deposit back and call Morrie's. ;)

Originally posted by NOTA V6
I got it in writing. ;) No more than MSRP. And the $500 is obviously applied to the purchase price of the car...

Your dealer is ripping you off. :mad: Get your deposit back and call Morrie's. ;)

wtf $500 also being applied to the price of the car? the $500 deposit is basically a ticket that u bought which gurantees u a car. i dont see how they can put that 500 towards the purchase of the car. that totally defeats the purpose of having a deposit

Even when I ordered my 350z, the 1000 dollars, secured my place, my order, and price. The 1000 dollars was then applied to the purchase of the car.

HoustonRX8

i dont see how they can put that 500 towards the purchase of the car. that totally defeats the purpose of having a deposit [/B]

They get the $500 for 6 months interest free, and can use it as leverage towards Mazda to try to get greater allocations of a highly anticipated car. That's not worthless.

There is some plain wrong info in this thread... some of it was cleared up in prev posts, but I'm clearing it up again... :)

1. There is no Tokyo Autoshow this year. It is every other year, Oct 1999, Oct 2001, Oct 2003, etc. They have Commercial Vehilce Show on the Even Years (2000, 2002, 2004) Someone needs to clean the dead fish out of their crystal ball :p ;)

2. The production line is not ready, so there cannot be any production RX-8's on the road, in Japan, imported from Japan, or anywhere. What the "imported car" in houston was probably was a prototype that some Mazda employees were testing. Why they were testing it in Houston, I don't know, but it wasn't a personal Car.

3. Production and ForSale Dates haven't been released yet. Let's examine what has happened earlier this year (2002) with the Mazda6. They showed the production car at NAIAS in Detroit in Jan. It started production in Feburary, and hit the dealers/streets in Japan and Europe in May. I think they will be hitting US dealers soon, but I haven't found a firm date.

Pure Rumor and speculation I think the RX-8's launch and roll out will be a little different, they may accellerate the US production, and get them over here by May (or maybe earlier) I could not comment on the production start of the RX-8, but expect to see it at NAIAS in January (Of course) I don't know if it will be at any earlier autoshows...

The Atenza(Mazda6 in Japan and Europe) has sold out the entire initial production this summer. It's really slapping the faces of certain Euro sport sedans. The US-market Mazda6 will be produced at Auto Alliance(Ford/Mazda plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, not Japan. Job One is scheduled for mid to late October with dealer availability around Thanksgiving, sources say.

Originally posted by tribal azn


what makes it the finest mazda dealership?

my dealer told me march or april

tribal azn - Actually I said they probably were the finest in my state (Wisconsin). Why??


They complete repairs right the first time. They have serviced my various Mazda vehicles for a combined 382,000 miles and I remain a satisfied customer.
Unlike many dealerships, they have very little personnel turnover in the sales area.
They are unfailingly courteous and trustworthy.

Originally posted by PatrickB


They get the $500 for 6 months interest free, and can use it as leverage towards Mazda to try to get greater allocations of a highly anticipated car. That's not worthless.

ic...

Originally posted by 2007RX-8


tribal azn - Actually I said they probably were the finest in my state (Wisconsin). Why??


They complete repairs right the first time. They have serviced my various Mazda vehicles for a combined 382,000 miles and I remain a satisfied customer.
Unlike many dealerships, they have very little personnel turnover in the sales area.
They are unfailingly courteous and trustworthy.


ic...

http://www.northstarrotaries.com/vendors/

The Northstar club has separated Mazda dealers into their own vendor category at the suggestion of a couple of RX-8 Forum members.

Feel free to add you local dealers to avoid or frequent. :) Try to be impartial in the description, and save your comments for your personal feedback for the dealer (or vendor).

Re: deposit: Deposits on just about anything are usually refundable. Kegs, video tapes, hotel reservations, the first selection of AKC puppies in a litter... you name it. The $500 reservation deposit is simply earnest money. A first payment on the car if you will. If your dealer refuses to refund your deposit, or apply it towards the purchase price of the car, they are ripping you off. They have provided you with nothing for your money. Find a reputable dealer before you give any money to them, and always, always GET IT IN WRITING! ;)

Originally posted by NOTA V6
I got it in writing. ;) No more than MSRP. And the $500 is obviously applied to the purchase price of the car...

Your dealer is ripping you off. :mad: Get your deposit back and call Morrie's. ;)

go to this thread. damn it i think i am being riped off. whos morries?

nm just found out morries is a dealer in minnosota. lol im in california

Originally posted by tribal azn
nm just found out morries is a dealer in minnosota. lol im in california
It will cost a mere $700-900 to have the car delivered to you. Less than getting screwed by a greedy dealer. Especially if they are giving you nothing for $500 besides a safe place in line... ;)

You could try these guys too, also in Minnesota.
http://www.northstarrotaries.com/vendors/vendor.asp?vendorid=134
Their general manager, who is in my club, told me that it is a policy of theirs to NEVER sell over the MSRP. I'm not sure if they are taking deposits or not though. I don't work for them either. But again, they are a club sponsor...

Press days: September 26 and 27.

Originally posted by tribal azn
nm just found out morries is a dealer in minnosota. lol im in california

Hey Tribal,
Go to the Mazda Dealership in Huntington Beach. I got my deposit for $200, and guaranteed MSRP (in writing). I also specified that I'd want a silver/grey one, but that's something else altogether.....

Originally posted by Gunston
I was reading in this month's Autocar (UK) that the RX-8 won't be out until June 03. Does this seem right? That's a long way off the timetable that's been discussed up to now.

Here's the only hard fact... If the RX-8 is in the X-Men II film then its got to be released to take advantage of the free advertising/product placement... so It can't be that much after the release of the film, if not before.

and the xmen2 film comes out in may

Originally posted by threeputtwash


Hey Tribal,
Go to the Mazda Dealership in Huntington Beach. I got my deposit for $200, and guaranteed MSRP (in writing). I also specified that I'd want a silver/grey one, but that's something else altogether.....

thx!! ill do that this weekend, should i ask for a specific salesman?

may?? :D :D :D
isn't that what boo said?? :D :D :D

boo who?:(
sorry couldn't resist that! your right though bowanna did say that. where does he get his info?

I work at a Bank, which I don't wanna name, but one of my commercial customers who deals with the importing of cars for Mazda actually told me that if there are no delays. The plans were for the first RX-8's to come to the California shores in NOVEMBER 2002!!!!! There will only be a few, but these cars according to him will be used to launch the Return of the Rotary. Part of the advertising stratagy. He said the cars should be sold for MSRP. He couldn't give me a figure on how many will be brought to the US, but he said that there will be enough to keep the price down. He said that Dealerships should be able (pending no changes) to sell them in later January, early Febuary.
My source is pretty reliable and has said that he'll keep me posted.

NOVEMBER??? :eek: :eek: :cool: :cool: :D :D :D

and this "Return of the Rotary"... the advertising campaign?? and you say the cars are shipping into california, eh?? hmm... Mazda owns laguna seca... hmmm.... hmmmmmm... ;)

think that the commercials will be shot there?? that'll be cool, something like the Honda motorcycle commercials with their big riders in the States... :D sweeeet!!

Originally posted by LokiMiata
I work at a Bank, which I don't wanna name...
My source is pretty reliable and has said that he'll keep me posted. That all seems in line with what we've heard so far, I believe. Don't be stingy with the info when you get it ;).

---jps

tribal... let me know how the HB dealer went, i need to go back and put down a deposit too.. see if what they are telling people are uniform...

as for the start date, the earliest i have heard is dec/jan, then other dealers are saying that if people are saying the rx-8 will be coming out before march/april, they are bull$hitting... most likely target date may/june... they are like hell, we hope to get the 6 soon, but that is not really set yet either... thanksgiving to early december for the 6...

but one dealer did tell me that the info on the DL is that most dealers will get 2-4 by december... what i am thinking is, if it is supposed to be on the DL, why would he just tell a stranger that simply inquired about it... best guess is late spring 2003

Originally posted by brownchiro
Press days: September 26 and 27.

I cleaned out the fish from my crystal ball. No Tokyo show but Paris is next week.
My dealer told me October/November (2002) when I was placed on the waiting list for the first yellow RX8, in May 2002. I emailed him a few weeks ago and he said he would be getting back with me in November. It sounds like LokiMiata's information is close to what I heard.

New product: The Mazda2.
New concepts: None.
Talking point: The Mazda6 has had a surprisingly strong reception in the European marketplace. Mazda is waiting until the Detroit show for the worldwide debut of its halo car, the RX8.

This is preview of Paris Show http://europe.autonews.com/page.cms?pageld=298