View Full Version : The Canadian RX-Wait


Deep Blue
06-11-2003, 07:34 PM
Hi all,

Just wanted to say hello and let you know I feel your pain. I am blown away by the absolute lack of communication between Mazda Canada and those of us who pre-ordered.

I pre-ordered from the Burlington dealership back in January, and was just told yesterday that I probably won't see my RX-8 until September, despite being 5th on the list for the Burlington location. I am also not guaranteed to get my configuration I want...only that I get first crack at what comes into the dealership month to month once it is my turn.

Where it doesn't add up for me is that I've read that Canada is getting 1400 RX-8's this year to satisfy demand....and that sounds like a lot of $45K vehicles if you ask me.

Here's a question though: Has anyone asked a dealer in Canada about the "Appearance Package" that is advertised on the US site? From what I've read in the general forum, they put this on "at the port"...so how do we order it? My dealer here in Burlington gets his RX-8 updates from me as far as I can tell, and the lot of them don't have a clue about accessories, etc.


So, again, Hello to my fellow Canadians...nice forum...glad I'm not the only one enduring the RX-Wait.


-----------------------------------------------
Pre-order details:
2004 Mazda RX-8 GT
Black on Black/Taupe Leather
6M, Moonroof, Nav
+ Appearance Package if I can ever find it up here!!

ZoomZoom
06-11-2003, 08:55 PM
Now you've hit a sore spot... I'm #1 on the waiting list at my dealership since I put down my deposit on April 8th 2002... YEA! And get this, I don't expect my car to arrive until August or September. Apparently nothing with the NAV option is showing up on the dealership's radar screen. From what I am hearing you will lucky to get yours in September if you are #5 at your dealership.

You are however 100% right about the total lack of communications from Mazda Canada, there is nothing that tells me that the factory has even accepted my order. :mad:

Do I sound a little vexed? YOU BET!!! Sorry but I just had to vent a little.

BTW... welcome to the forum!

Vancouver
06-11-2003, 10:05 PM
Mazda Canada sucks. No watches. No books. No e mail. No web orders. No communications at all. A lousy website. It gets an "F" and no "atta boys".

Gord96BRG
06-11-2003, 10:16 PM
You all seem to be presuming that you've actually placed an order as the buyers in the US did... you haven't. Mazda Canada has no idea what specific vehicle you placed a deposit on. The dealers took deposits, took requests for colour and package, totalled them up, and passed that combined info to Mazda Canada. Mazda Canada has yet to tell the dealers how many RX-8s they will get, and the dealers don't know what colours and packages will make up that number.

Mazda Canada will eventually tell the dealers, for example, "You get 8 cars - 4 Titanium (3 GT and 1 GS), 1 Red GT, 1 Blue GS, 1 Yellow GT, 1 Silver GS". That dealer will then have to contact the people who placed deposits in the order they were placed (hopefully), tell them what they're getting, and see if the deposit holder wants one of the vehicles that isn't spoken for by the people ahead of him - or see if a person ahead of him who claimed a car backs out before taking delivery. So nobody has actually ordered a car and we will not be assigned a build VIN as in the US. If you're #5 on the list and the first 4 buyers ahead of you at your dealer want the Titanium cars, then you don't get one even if you put a deposit on a Titanium car and the dealer still has 4 cars for you to choose from.

That's the story for Canada as best as I can make out. No pre-orders or orders of any kind, no pre-assigned VINs, no gifts, luck of the draw when your dealer finds out what cars he will have to sell.

Regards,
Gordon

rotorian
06-11-2003, 10:16 PM
Guys,

I agree 100% with your comments. The problem is that I think Mazda Canada is too small for anyone to give a dam. (typical dealing with Canada syndrome)The dealer is thinking " I won't be getting very many cars so why worry about it, let's focus on the bread and butter!"

I did my research, found out that most dealers were clueless and also weren't getting many cars and / or were already sold out.

I went way out of town, thinking most small town dealers wouldn't have many pre orders. I was right, there was some available, mostly base cars and automatics though.

I did find GT 6 speeds at some dealers, went through 3 before I could believe anything they said. My car is supposedly in the first shipment. For June / July delivery.

The dealer in Burlington is only getting 2-3 cars a month if that. They don't have access to any more info than us (probably less)

Deep Blue
06-12-2003, 09:38 AM
The Dealer in Burlington is getting 2 in July, 1 in August and "maybe" 2 in September....from what I've been told.

Gordon is 100% on the money though, as there is no real pre-order program. Best I can tell, it is a crapshoot, and none of us will no how this will shake out for a long while. The dealers could be creating some big artificial demand curve by telling all of us that there is such limitied supply and getting the word spread around. Who knows, maybe my dealer will get 15 of them in August, and maybe he'll get none.

Either way, I wish there was a formal 'program' and that it was much better organized.

Back to my original question though....the Appearance package or ordering things like "Side Aero Flares"....anyone know if this will be possible?

ZoomZoom
06-12-2003, 09:41 AM
What dealership is Burlington is getting 15 cars? Most of the GTA dealerships appear to be getting 3 to 8 cars.

Deep Blue
06-12-2003, 10:01 AM
Hehe...none that I'm aware of...I just meant it as a possibility as no one knows what's REALLY going on here in Canada in terms of RX-8 delivery.

By the way, my dealer also said he's getting the first one in about 3 weeks that will strictly be a demo for those that pre-ordered to come and check out/test drive. Not sure if that will last, but I'll let you GTA people know when it is if you want to come check it out.

Wing
06-12-2003, 10:17 AM
Man this is really turning into a fiasco. They can't seem to get anything right!

I might just end up getting an Acura TSX, at least they said the cars would arrive in April and they DID!

Deep Blue
06-12-2003, 10:24 AM
I'm not ready to jump ship just yet...but my real problem is that I prepared myself to get a car in early summer...now I'm looking at early fall. I've got a BMW 330Ci that needs to be sold before I pile to many km's on it, and it timed beautifully with the arrival of the RX-8 in June/July. Now I'm going to have to sell it and drive a beater for the summer....although I'm seriously contemplating keeping the 330 and taking the loss so I have a nice ride for the summer.

73JPS
06-12-2003, 12:07 PM
Originally posted by Gord96BRG
You all seem to be presuming that you've actually placed an order as the buyers in the US did... you haven't. Mazda Canada has no idea what specific vehicle you placed a deposit on.

This is mostly incorrect. While it is true that Mazda Canada has no pre-order program, and there is no indication that they have based their orders to Japan on what the dealers have taken deposits on, they most certainly ARE aware of what the customers have requested. Dealers (at least my dealer) have had to fax to Mazda Canada copies of the sale invoices. Additionally, the dealership continues to place specific "orders" for the RX8 with Mazda Canada. Whether or not MazCan listens or responds is another story, but aware they are.

The rub is that while Mazda Canada is aware of what customers placed their deposits on, they have made no commitment to anybody to ONLY order those cars. Also, since I have seen customer order sheets with multiple colour choices on them, what motivation does MazCan really have to order specific examples? A non-commitment to something as basic as colour from the customer gives MazCan more fuel to regard the deposits as "the customer will take what we give them...."

FritzMan
06-12-2003, 12:49 PM
I heard the same. Mazda Canada requested bill of sales from dealerships and those orders were addressed first. The fact is though that some dealership may have had more John Doe's than others. So how many Mazda Canada is taking seriously is another internal issue I imagine.

My dealership still has no exact idea as to number of cars they're receiving (between 3-8). Kind for frustrating b/c I'm ready to put money down for a car right now, but I'm not sure if I'll even get the one I want in 3 weeks or sometime this fall.

Gord96BRG
06-12-2003, 12:49 PM
Originally posted by 73JPS
This is mostly incorrect. While it is true that Mazda Canada has no pre-order program, and there is no indication that they have based their orders to Japan on what the dealers have taken deposits on, they most certainly ARE aware of what the customers have requested.

When you quoted my post, you left out the immediately following line where I said The dealers took deposits, took requests for colour and package, totalled them up, and passed that combined info to Mazda Canada Perhaps Mazda Canada required copies of the orders as proof that the deposit/orders were real, and as I'd already indicated, they know what the customers "ordered", but otherwise - Mazda Canada does not have any order saying Gordon in Calgary wants a Ti GT 6 speed with moonroof, and he's gettin VIN X, which was produced May X, etc. They only know that North Hill Mazda in Calgary ordered 5 Ti RX-8s, 3 GT and 2 GS, and they'll only say that North Hill Mazda gets 3 Ti RX-8s, 2 GTs and 1 GS. So I'm #5 on the list at North Hill Mazda, and if #2 and #4 want the Ti GTs, then I'm screwed. It's strictly up to the dealer to sort out who gets what from the eventual list of vehicles that Mazda Canada will send to them - Aside from compiling the orders in general terms (X of this colour in this package), Mazda Canada doesn't know me in the way that MNAO knows who ordered what in the US.

Regards,
Gordon

Quick_lude
06-12-2003, 02:40 PM
Originally posted by Deep Blue
By the way, my dealer also said he's getting the first one in about 3 weeks that will strictly be a demo for those that pre-ordered to come and check out/test drive. Not sure if that will last, but I'll let you GTA people know when it is if you want to come check it out.
I would definitely be interested in seeing the actual car.. maybe even drive it? :) I'm looking at spring of 04 when my current lease expires but I'd love to drive a rotary..

silenttype
06-20-2003, 02:21 PM
THIS IS FROM A TOP GUY SUNRIDGE MAZDA IN CALGARY

They have been taking orders/deposits for the longest time...............but this is where it gets F^&*ed up. They have known for quite some time that they will only be recieving 2 RX-8's at that dealership this year, the other 15 or so that have put a deposit, well............TOUGH LUCK. But check this out.........the sales people are still instructed to take orders and deposits, now how screwed is that!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a deposit at NORTHHILL MAZDA, but after talking and getting the news from that guy at SUNRIDGE MAZDA..........plus all the other threads talking about no communication ETC..........

THIS IS WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad:

scmiata1990
06-26-2003, 12:36 PM
Kieswetter Mazda of Kitchener, (one of Canada's largest
dealers) has told me that the RX8 will be released to the
public in mid July. All dealers in the country must have a car
before any cars are sold.

Danny

Silver 6 speed GS RX8

Vancouver
06-26-2003, 01:04 PM
Well that blows this weekend's plans.

FritzMan
06-26-2003, 01:14 PM
That would make sense. I would imagine there's going to be a large marketing blitz, and it wouldn't sit well with prospective buyers if there wasn't an actual car on the lot to check out.

It does suck having to wait some more, but they are 2004 models after all.

ZoomZoom
06-26-2003, 02:35 PM
Originally posted by FritzMan

...It does suck having to wait some more, but they are 2004 models after all.

Just a friendly reminder that back in April 2002 the planned release date for the RX-8 was February 15, 2003. :(

halfon
06-26-2003, 03:46 PM
I am looking forward to mid July. I ordered a blue RX-8 for May 2004 and i would like to see a blue car and a Titanium to verify my choice of colour.

If anyone from the Toronto or the GTA get delivery of a blue or titanium please post the information.

Thanks.

Heavenscent
06-26-2003, 10:13 PM
To those who have pre-ordered, how much is the price for a GT model...if they are coming in...

Thanks!
Heavenscent

P/S BTW, are Mazda's Flagship mechanics proficient with roatary engines?

73JPS
06-27-2003, 12:39 AM
The GT Model starts at $39,595

Moonroof is $1000.

Moonroof + Nav is $4000. No, you can't get the nav without the moonroof.

Many dealers are receiving GT cars: they should be at the dealerships in the next 3 to 14 days, depending on who you talk to.

The most, then, you can pay for a GT fully loaded is $43,595.

StealthTL
06-27-2003, 07:43 PM
Spoke to my sales manager today, he says he knows they are sitting in Vancouver, but they are not being officially released until...........JULY 25!
So 'we' may not be the first to get any..........
S

ZoomZoom
06-27-2003, 09:22 PM
Originally posted by StealthTL

Spoke to my sales manager today, he says he knows they are sitting in Vancouver, but they are not being officially released until...........JULY 25!


Sounds like someone owes me a dinner and drinks! :D

73JPS
06-27-2003, 10:23 PM
Could be....

On the other hand, you should probably check this thread which clearly shows that RX8 is at some Canadian dealers already :p

Here (http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5749)

LiQuiDLaM
06-28-2003, 02:20 AM
Originally posted by StealthTL
Spoke to my sales manager today, he says he knows they are sitting in Vancouver, but they are not being officially released until...........JULY 25!
So 'we' may not be the first to get any..........
S

really????
when i pre-ordered, my dealer told me it will be here end of June! i'm going to call them on the 30th and grab some info on dat! though they were right, it did ARRIVE end of June, but that release date is just stupid! u got the cars, i haven't seen many ads here with the promotion of the RX-8! I think Mazda marketing can do themselves a favour and put our 8s on the road!! then the customers are happy, mazda is happy, everyone's happy!:D

StealthTL
06-28-2003, 08:12 AM
The guy in the Richmond cars said they were 'press' cars, so the only place you will see them is that awful vancouver TV show, with "Tony and the other guy" - the ones who don't like anything that's not German!
S

73JPS
06-28-2003, 09:49 AM
I thought just one of the cars was a press car....

"The black one in the picture is destined to do duty as a press car, that is why I got to take it for a quick spin..."

Maybe the red one is too, but it doesn't say that...

Lensman
06-28-2003, 09:55 AM
Originally posted by LiQuiDLaM
I think Mazda marketing can do themselves a favour and put our 8s on the road!! then the customers are happy, mazda is happy, everyone's happy!:D

It's not Mazda's policy to keep their customers happy, in fact the Mazda mission statement says 'Thwart the customer at every opportunity for thus are bonuses achieved'.

73JPS
06-28-2003, 09:56 AM
Originally posted by Lensman


It's not Mazda's policy to keep their customers happy, in fact the Mazda mission statement says 'Thwart the customer at every opportunity for thus are bonuses achieved'.

LOL... and hanging in the management office: "The beatings will continue until morale improves..."

LiQuiDLaM
06-28-2003, 03:03 PM
that's why i don't expect much from 'em everytime i call 'em! the last time i called, i didn't get much from them! actually, i got nothing from them! if i call monday and i'm lucky, i might be able to know my VIN by then!! which is actually pretty pointless, not like we can look it up and see what our options are and whether it's in port or not!

halfon
06-28-2003, 05:05 PM
My contact in Burlington told me that they are receiving a black, a red and a silver RX-8 but they do not know exactly when.

Is anybody getting a titanium in the GTA ?

ZoomZoom
06-29-2003, 12:00 AM
Originally posted by halfon

Is anybody getting a titanium in the GTA ?

Look up two previous posts... ;)