shift_zoom8

Hi, I'm new here and I'm going to buy an RX8 in the next few days or so I think.

I have a question about how accessories are added on at the port when the car arrives from Japan. This question came up because the combination of accessories and options I want is nonexistent among dealership cars (i.e., appearance package and accent package BUT no rear spoiler and no navigation). So the cars I've been looking at are the basic GT 6MT cars without spoiler or navigation (the $31100 MSRP ones). I was intent on having the accent and appearance packages added when I negotiated for the car. As it turns out, dealerships don't want to talk about adding on accessories because of installation/labor costs that have to be passed on to me (options delivered with the car are free of this issue). They want you to take the car as it is and then later deal with the parts department on your own with regard to accessories and installation fees.

So I was surpprised when one dealership manager said he has a basic GT car waiting at the port that he can have all the accesories added on at no additional cost to me. He explained that the cars are actually sent from Japan bare bones, options are installed at the port, and then the official MSRP with the options is printed out. He said I could "order" that car with the accessories I want, they would be installed at the port, and I wouldn't have to worry about installation fees.

However, another manager said it can't be done that way. He said that, while it's true the options are installed at the destination port, those options are predetermined at the factory in Japan.

My question is: Who is telling the truth? I had an idea that if the first manager is telling the truth, then (a) the MSRP sticker will have those options printed on it and (b) if he is lying, then the options will/can not.

You guys know more about this than I do. What do you think?

shift_zoom8

I have a follow-up question also.


If I have to purchase the GT bare bones, I figure I could buy the accent package and glue or snap on the damn things myself.


But what I'm concerned about is the appearance package, which includes small side skirts and front air dam. Do any of you know if those items are quick bolt-ons? If so, are the holes ready to go in the frame of the car or do I have to custom drill holes? I have no previous experience in this area.


If it would be better for me to have a professional do it, should I stay with the dealership or buy the appearance package and have someone else install it for cheaper? Any warranty issues to consider and how much would installation cost?

Elara

I had my dealer add the appearance package and spoiler to my car AFTER it was already at port, so the first dealer is correct. As long as they aren't getting ready to ship the car to the dealer, they should have no problem adding options on at port. Just be aware that there was quite a bit of waiting time for some of them, and cars with added accessories were taking a while.

shift_zoom8

I really appreciate your reply, Elara.


I talked to someone today who said the same thing you said about waiting time.


I think I'm going to install the appearance package myself. I was checking out cars with the package at a local dealer tonight and I think the whole thing is just several fasteners on the underbelly, a few screws, and some industrial strength two-sided tape. At least I hope so. I hope to God I don't screw things up.

tpryor

*WARNING*

I had the appearance package added to my car at the dealer (it was ordered with the car, long story), and I watched them do it. Just as a reference, they began at 9:00 am, and we moved it to the alignment rack at 6:15 pm!

The front airdam requires removal of the entire piece with the rotor shape and the black "tray" (the new peice replaces this entirely) as well as drilling of 6 holes for prefitted screws to go through the bumper. The instructions say to remove the entire front bumper for this, but with it high enough on a lift it can be done on the car. This, by far, was the easiest part to install.

No template involved - there are predetermined screw hole "marks" on the back side of the bumper.

The side "skirts" require trimming of the long plastic piece that runs from the front wheel well to the rear wheel well, and the drilling of 5 very large holes in the body on each side of the car (this was HARD to watch), as well as the installation of some "special" plugs under the car.

5 INDIVIDUAL templates for each side. Cut from a standard sheet of paper, taped (rolled up) to the aero flare, pressed into place, taped down on the car, then holes drilled. No thank you....

The rear "aero" flares also require drilling a single hole (for a prefitted screw) and a slot (about 1/2" - made up of three smaller holes routed together) to be cut into each side of the rear bumper. Again, the instructions call for removal of the entire rear bumper, but with the car high on a lift, it could be done on the car.

Again, two paper templates per side (same procedure as above). Still wouldn't do it myself.

I hope this helps. I have always been good at installing these things myself, but I would NEVER attempt this install (except MAYBE the front air dam) in my driveway.

shift_zoom8

tpryor, you have convinced me....that now I'm really screwed.


maybe I just need to learn to live without the appearance package.

RX-Nut

How about installing the Rotary Accents? How are they installed? Anyone know?

shift_zoom8

Well, I finally bought my 8 about a week and a half ago- GT package without anything else. I'm wondering about the accent package too. I'm going to call some local dealers in Los Angeles and find out if I can pop them in myself. If you do that before I do, please let me know how it's done.

klegg

When my dealer finally gets mine in (now 2months late) I will let you know...I think they glue in.

tpryor

Sorry, I got the rotary accents also, I should have mentioned those. There is a primer compound you put on the black rotor shape (after cleaning), let it sit 5 minutes, peel open the adhesive and press into place. Not counting the 5 minutes of "setting" time, these could be installed in 5 minutes (for BOTH front and rear). No problem at all.