Australia's Best Cars 2003 Winners
12-05-2003, 03:29 PM
#1
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Australia's Best Cars 2003 Winners
RX-8 (jointly) wins NRMA's Best Sports Car under $57,000
Read about it here: http://www.mynrma.com.au/motoring/ca...rs/index.shtml
While this is great news for us fans - can anyone tell me why NRMA (and Wheels magazine for that matter) refuse to acknowledge the existence of the higher spec models ?
Ours is insured with NRMA and they have included things like the leather interior as options when I told them that was the way it originally came straight from the factory. Dummies.
Still, it would have been competing with the likes of the winner (BMW M3) in the over $57,000 segment - and it is half the price of that car - not that price is everything ! Should have one that category too !
Roll on Wheels Car Of The Year - RX-8 is one of the nominations.
On RX-8s being in accidents - my friend with the black one in Sydney was hit in the back and pushed into another car recently - all fixed now but still very annoying - these things stop better than most other cars eh ? The person behind you needs to realise that :-)
Jeffneil
Read about it here: http://www.mynrma.com.au/motoring/ca...rs/index.shtml
While this is great news for us fans - can anyone tell me why NRMA (and Wheels magazine for that matter) refuse to acknowledge the existence of the higher spec models ?
Ours is insured with NRMA and they have included things like the leather interior as options when I told them that was the way it originally came straight from the factory. Dummies.
Still, it would have been competing with the likes of the winner (BMW M3) in the over $57,000 segment - and it is half the price of that car - not that price is everything ! Should have one that category too !
Roll on Wheels Car Of The Year - RX-8 is one of the nominations.
On RX-8s being in accidents - my friend with the black one in Sydney was hit in the back and pushed into another car recently - all fixed now but still very annoying - these things stop better than most other cars eh ? The person behind you needs to realise that :-)
Jeffneil
12-05-2003, 05:44 PM
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Interesting that it was the WRX that the RX8 tied with.
I see that the Nissan 350z didn't feature anywhere. I remember reading somewhere on this forum a month or two ago that they had started discounting them by about $3000. I wonder if that was done partly to try and scrape into the sub $57,000 category?
There is a pretty dry write up of the results in the recent RAC magazine and at least one car had fallen over the line to win by virtue of a price cut which had bumped up its 'value for money' score enough to win overall.
The local Nissan dealer still has the same two 350zs on show that they've had for months now, so I don't think they're proving quite so quick off the sales floor as the RX.
I see that the Nissan 350z didn't feature anywhere. I remember reading somewhere on this forum a month or two ago that they had started discounting them by about $3000. I wonder if that was done partly to try and scrape into the sub $57,000 category?
There is a pretty dry write up of the results in the recent RAC magazine and at least one car had fallen over the line to win by virtue of a price cut which had bumped up its 'value for money' score enough to win overall.
The local Nissan dealer still has the same two 350zs on show that they've had for months now, so I don't think they're proving quite so quick off the sales floor as the RX.
12-05-2003, 05:59 PM
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Great stuff, reinforcing everyone's excellent judgement in this forum :D
I had expectations for the 350z, but was seriously disappointed when I sat in one. Didn't even bother to test drive
I had expectations for the 350z, but was seriously disappointed when I sat in one. Didn't even bother to test drive
12-05-2003, 06:24 PM
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Originally posted by timbo
Great stuff, reinforcing everyone's excellent judgement in this forum :D
I had expectations for the 350z, but was seriously disappointed when I sat in one. Didn't even bother to test drive
Great stuff, reinforcing everyone's excellent judgement in this forum :D
I had expectations for the 350z, but was seriously disappointed when I sat in one. Didn't even bother to test drive
When I went looking a couple of months ago the 350z was on the top of my list to try. I really liked the look of it in the publicity shots. However, I didn't like it nearly as much 'in the flesh' - whereas it was exactly the other way round with the RX8, which looks even better on the road than in the pics.
The 350z also seemed quite poorly finished inside (although the seats were nice) and felt almost claustrophic. It seemed smaller inside than you'd expect from the outside.
I'm sure it's fun to drive, but I didn't bother testing it either. Once I'd seen the RX8 nothing else stood much of a chance. :D
12-06-2003, 12:28 AM
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I went for 2 test drives in a 350z (seperate dealers). Wasn't that impressed to be quite honest. The observations that Wheels magazine make about the 350z in the Aug 03 shootout article with the RX-8 are spot on IMO.
"...intrusive noise levels, indifferent ride, limited luggage space, crowded instrument cluster, high window sills that make you feel like you are sitting in a bunker, only 2 seats...."
OK, I'm done.
On the other hand, the '8 had me hooked by the time I reached third gear.
"...intrusive noise levels, indifferent ride, limited luggage space, crowded instrument cluster, high window sills that make you feel like you are sitting in a bunker, only 2 seats...."
OK, I'm done.
On the other hand, the '8 had me hooked by the time I reached third gear.
12-06-2003, 02:11 AM
#8
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Well why the car only $56K. The leather pack sounds more expensive now...
I think it will still do well in the upper category it will surely go above the 350Z.... I am alright with the M3 being no one.
In the higher category why do they test drove the 2.5 L Z4 not the 3L... what a dumb thing to do!!!
I think it will still do well in the upper category it will surely go above the 350Z.... I am alright with the M3 being no one.
In the higher category why do they test drove the 2.5 L Z4 not the 3L... what a dumb thing to do!!!
12-06-2003, 05:46 PM
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I saw one of the first 350Z's in NZ.
And wrote my thoughts on it to a Mate of mine who was in the market to buy one or the 8.
He asked my opiinion of the car which I emailed back to him.
Then he emailed Nissan NZ and told them how slack their sales staff was because no one spoke to him.
My opinion was on the bottom of the email.
Enjoy :D
And wrote my thoughts on it to a Mate of mine who was in the market to buy one or the 8.
He asked my opiinion of the car which I emailed back to him.
Then he emailed Nissan NZ and told them how slack their sales staff was because no one spoke to him.
My opinion was on the bottom of the email.
Enjoy :D
12-06-2003, 05:56 PM
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Hey Rhys
What ya think of the new Z ??????
I think its ugly as compared to the RX-8.
Also interior on the Rx-8 is 10 times better.
The only think the Z has over the RX-8 is its here now.
RX-8 is worth waiting for though.
They were telling me how it has a rear strut brace works.
I was like new ??? Wow really my 92 RX-7 has one of those
!!!!
LOL !!!!!!!
Rian Herrick
New Vehicle Sales
North Harbour Mazda
PH: 444 0739
FX: 444 6667
rian.herrick@northharbour.co.nz
www.mazda.co.nz
Zoom Zoom !
-------------------
Well you had more luck than me as I stood there for ages trying
to get
someone who would talk to me, obviously their salesmen do not
realize that
it is not only just old men who have buying power but some
younger people
earn a s1itload of money as well?!
I felt like walking into their show room and announcing how much
I earn as
it would make most of their salesmen feel as though they were underachievers?!
I like a lot of the Nissan range but looks like I will have to
stick with
Mazda as I will not get the oportunatety to buy a Nissan as none
of their
salesmen would talk to me?!
Looks like maybe you can judge a book by it’s cover after all.
---------------------------
Dear Mr Glidden,
I am the Nissan New Zealand Customer Services Manager. Your
email has been
forwarded to my office from our website.
Firstly, I would like to apologise for the lack of attention
demonstrated
on what we assume was a visit to one of our dealerships. We
certainly have
customer handling standards which our dealers are aware of and
should be
maintaining. We appreciate all feedback from the public with
regard to
their perceptions of how our dealership staff carry out their business.
While we endeavour to ensure the highest levels of conduct are
the norm in
our dealerships, we would appreciate if you could advise us of
the
dealership you visited. Given that information I would discuss
the issue
with the Dealer Principal of the dealership as well as our sales
department
here at head office. This would assist in helping to ensure the
focus on
customer treatment is reinforced as necessary.
Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience you have
experienced, and if
it is acceptable to you, we would like to forward your details
to whichever
Nissan dealer you choose and they could arrange to assist you
with your
queries with regard to our products and/or services. Please
advise me if
this is ok with you.
Should you experience any further problems or concerns, please
feel free to
contact me directly on 09-269-0312 or at this email address.
Best regards,
Mike Perez
Customer Services Manager
Nissan New Zealand Limited
NB: Mr Herrick, the one thing we do stress with our staff is
not to demean
our competitors’ products. We prefer to let the quality of our
products
speak for themselves. “Z”
---------------------------------------
Hi Mike,
The branch I visited was the one in North Harbour, I was interested in looking over the new Z car as am considering buying a new car for the first time but in general (not just at Nissan by any means) I have found that most car sales people have been difficult to deal with as they assume that a young male that is currently driving a highly modified car does not have the financial means of which to purcase such a car.
Nissan just happend to be the last in a long line of car yards that I had visited that day and in being so was the one most fresh in my mind.
Please do not take Rian’s comments out of context as these comments were made to me as a fellow club member and a friend. I can assure you that he would not comment in this way to any of his potential customers or anyone considering buying a Nissan product.
The Email was copied to your web site out of pure frustration that has built up with trying to be taken seriously by people who are suposed to be there to help and encourage you to buy their product.
Thank you for responding to my Email as this has showen that I may in fact be valued as a customer.
----------------------------------------------
Hi Rhys and Rian,
I think I have a handle on the situation now.
I understand exactly what you refer to, Rhys. It is something we have continually trained into our dealership sales staff. We drum into them not to prejudge prospective customers by age, dress, vehicle they drive in with etc. As this obviously impacts their livelihood’s, you would think they would work very hard at treating everyone the same. But unfortunately, it sometimes doesn’t translate into actions. I will be speaking with the Dealer Principal and New Vehicle Sales Manager at City Nissan Takapuna regarding this issue. I appreciate your understanding this is more an industry issue than a specific manufacturer issue.
Rian,
I understand your comments now. And maybe I was a little ‘sensitive’ as I just returned from the Chateau yesterday where we held our dealer launch for the 350Z. Anyway, I can appreciate your dedication to Mazda and believe you are lucky to be in a position to sell a product you truly believe in. Comments between friends fall into a different category than between salesman and prospective customer, which was my initial thought.
Rhys,
If it’s ok with you, I will have the dealership staff contact you with regard to the “Z”. They should have received their demo in the past couple of days. If they can’t arrange a test, I’ll see if one of our other Auckland dealers are able to help you out.
Thanks for the response from both of you clarifying the situation. Good luck with the RX-8 Rian and I’ll let them know you’re interested in a “Z” demo too.
Regards,
Mike
What ya think of the new Z ??????
I think its ugly as compared to the RX-8.
Also interior on the Rx-8 is 10 times better.
The only think the Z has over the RX-8 is its here now.
RX-8 is worth waiting for though.
They were telling me how it has a rear strut brace works.
I was like new ??? Wow really my 92 RX-7 has one of those
!!!!
LOL !!!!!!!
Rian Herrick
New Vehicle Sales
North Harbour Mazda
PH: 444 0739
FX: 444 6667
rian.herrick@northharbour.co.nz
www.mazda.co.nz
Zoom Zoom !
-------------------
Well you had more luck than me as I stood there for ages trying
to get
someone who would talk to me, obviously their salesmen do not
realize that
it is not only just old men who have buying power but some
younger people
earn a s1itload of money as well?!
I felt like walking into their show room and announcing how much
I earn as
it would make most of their salesmen feel as though they were underachievers?!
I like a lot of the Nissan range but looks like I will have to
stick with
Mazda as I will not get the oportunatety to buy a Nissan as none
of their
salesmen would talk to me?!
Looks like maybe you can judge a book by it’s cover after all.
---------------------------
Dear Mr Glidden,
I am the Nissan New Zealand Customer Services Manager. Your
email has been
forwarded to my office from our website.
Firstly, I would like to apologise for the lack of attention
demonstrated
on what we assume was a visit to one of our dealerships. We
certainly have
customer handling standards which our dealers are aware of and
should be
maintaining. We appreciate all feedback from the public with
regard to
their perceptions of how our dealership staff carry out their business.
While we endeavour to ensure the highest levels of conduct are
the norm in
our dealerships, we would appreciate if you could advise us of
the
dealership you visited. Given that information I would discuss
the issue
with the Dealer Principal of the dealership as well as our sales
department
here at head office. This would assist in helping to ensure the
focus on
customer treatment is reinforced as necessary.
Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience you have
experienced, and if
it is acceptable to you, we would like to forward your details
to whichever
Nissan dealer you choose and they could arrange to assist you
with your
queries with regard to our products and/or services. Please
advise me if
this is ok with you.
Should you experience any further problems or concerns, please
feel free to
contact me directly on 09-269-0312 or at this email address.
Best regards,
Mike Perez
Customer Services Manager
Nissan New Zealand Limited
NB: Mr Herrick, the one thing we do stress with our staff is
not to demean
our competitors’ products. We prefer to let the quality of our
products
speak for themselves. “Z”
---------------------------------------
Hi Mike,
The branch I visited was the one in North Harbour, I was interested in looking over the new Z car as am considering buying a new car for the first time but in general (not just at Nissan by any means) I have found that most car sales people have been difficult to deal with as they assume that a young male that is currently driving a highly modified car does not have the financial means of which to purcase such a car.
Nissan just happend to be the last in a long line of car yards that I had visited that day and in being so was the one most fresh in my mind.
Please do not take Rian’s comments out of context as these comments were made to me as a fellow club member and a friend. I can assure you that he would not comment in this way to any of his potential customers or anyone considering buying a Nissan product.
The Email was copied to your web site out of pure frustration that has built up with trying to be taken seriously by people who are suposed to be there to help and encourage you to buy their product.
Thank you for responding to my Email as this has showen that I may in fact be valued as a customer.
----------------------------------------------
Hi Rhys and Rian,
I think I have a handle on the situation now.
I understand exactly what you refer to, Rhys. It is something we have continually trained into our dealership sales staff. We drum into them not to prejudge prospective customers by age, dress, vehicle they drive in with etc. As this obviously impacts their livelihood’s, you would think they would work very hard at treating everyone the same. But unfortunately, it sometimes doesn’t translate into actions. I will be speaking with the Dealer Principal and New Vehicle Sales Manager at City Nissan Takapuna regarding this issue. I appreciate your understanding this is more an industry issue than a specific manufacturer issue.
Rian,
I understand your comments now. And maybe I was a little ‘sensitive’ as I just returned from the Chateau yesterday where we held our dealer launch for the 350Z. Anyway, I can appreciate your dedication to Mazda and believe you are lucky to be in a position to sell a product you truly believe in. Comments between friends fall into a different category than between salesman and prospective customer, which was my initial thought.
Rhys,
If it’s ok with you, I will have the dealership staff contact you with regard to the “Z”. They should have received their demo in the past couple of days. If they can’t arrange a test, I’ll see if one of our other Auckland dealers are able to help you out.
Thanks for the response from both of you clarifying the situation. Good luck with the RX-8 Rian and I’ll let them know you’re interested in a “Z” demo too.
Regards,
Mike
12-07-2003, 03:33 PM
#14
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While the RX8 as joint winner is good, the judgement criteria and "cars in class" were odd. Why is the XR6 in the sports car class? It is a family car with a blower . I suppose if I want to get really picky, the WRX is a "rally car". But then rally is a sport ....
Anyway, the RX8 was judged down because of lack of boot space and indifferent ride.
In the higher class, the Mercedes SLK was judged UP because of good ride and low interior noise. WTF? These are sports cars. Cargo space and noise shouldn't be criteria. Braking from 100 kph, cornering speeds and fun-factor should be.
Anyway, the RX8 was judged down because of lack of boot space and indifferent ride.
In the higher class, the Mercedes SLK was judged UP because of good ride and low interior noise. WTF? These are sports cars. Cargo space and noise shouldn't be criteria. Braking from 100 kph, cornering speeds and fun-factor should be.
12-07-2003, 09:02 PM
#15
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That was ages ago when the RX-8 wasn't out in NZ and Aussie.
We had the 206kW protype at work etc etc.
I couln't resist a run in it through the nissan dealership - hehehe :P
Sorry Datsun
We had the 206kW protype at work etc etc.
I couln't resist a run in it through the nissan dealership - hehehe :P
Sorry Datsun
Originally posted by Hymee
Meastro, can you post your opinions (that got sent to Datsun) here?
Cheers,
Hymee.
Pun intended on Datsun.
Edit: Simultaneous posts - Don't ya hate that.
Meastro, can you post your opinions (that got sent to Datsun) here?
Cheers,
Hymee.
Pun intended on Datsun.
Edit: Simultaneous posts - Don't ya hate that.
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