oilman

Ok.

Most of us have the latest letter giving a delivery month.

I must confess that I find this letter unsatisfactory. In case Mazda are reading this, I'd better explain why........

Firstly we recieved no apology or explanation for the further delays. This would have been a common courtesy IMO.

Secondly the harping on about the engine etc etc GLOSS, GLOSS GLOSS but we all knew about this as it was mentioned in their letter 25/6 and has been on the website since god knows when!!

Thirdly there was no detail..........
So is it the 1st or the 30th November? That's potentially another months wait. What about accessories ordering and prices or will this be another reason to hold up the car??

So, I have a month (November) other than that, I've learned diddly squat. Am I supposed to be grateful for this news??

Anyway, I have to say that should my car and it's accessories not turn up in November, I will most probably cancel and put the whole thing down to a "bad experience".

Just wondered how many of you felt the same as me??

Cheers
Oilman

renegade_si

I could add more regarding US/Jap getting their second batch before we got any, along with a mutltude of miscommunications from either dealers but especially people on the so-called helpline, but I wont.

I will just agree with Oilman, and put my stake in the sand, ANY MORE DELAYS AND I'M OFF.

I've already had to lose the summer in the car and face up to not being able to even SEE it in the light during the Winter (and I'm not exaggerating - I work long hours), whilst on the back on the delivery date on End of June, had already sold my other car and am driving round in a £200 car in the meantime....

NO MORE. This is it. We've been patient enough. Last chance saloon (or is that 4 seater, 4 door sports car? )

MarkW

As much as I enjoyed my test drive this weekend, I still am not happy about the car being delayed until November. These delays have cost me £800 in expendeture on my current car, with no hint of compensation from Mazda for any delays.

I still have doubts about the performance of the car, and after the american fiasco I'm worried that we may have the same problems here.

I have already thought about cancelling, and waiting until the spring to re order. This would allow me to wait until cars are out there an the stated performance has been proved, and I am also not keen on taking delivery of a car in the dark, cold, wet wintery months.

The only problem is that the new 2.2 litre S2000 is out then, so I may be faced with a difficult choice.

I just hope I get confirmation very soon that my car is due either October, or EARLY NOVEMBER AT THE VERY LATEST.

Lensman

This last couple of weeks has really hit us all hard hasn't it, what with the news from America and Mazda UK's dodgy dealing. I wrote to Mazda last week explaining my discontent with their unprofessionalism and in return all I got was a form letter telling me that my car had been delayed at least another month and no explanation as to why.

I can't invest much more time, energy and finance into the RX-8 unless things significantly improve. I feel like I'm being put on the spot by you guys but yes, I too feel like cancelling fairly soon just to get this monkey off my back. I don't trust Mazda UK anymore because they've let us down so badly and I don't feel like handing £25K over to a company who are behaving like a firm of cowboy builders. The only reason I've not cancelled before now is my desire for the car but unless we get some facts about the engine then even that will fade. I've been researching other cars for the first time in months (damn I wish I hadn't cancelled my 350Z!) and the S2000 is looking better by the day.

In conclusion: I truly hope we can all survive this and that Mazda UK pull us out of the dive but it isn't looking good is it.

Hell: I'll miss you guys if I do decide to go.

PS: If I do go then I'll sure as Hell use my web skills and professional opportunities to tell the world how we've been screwed!

Stu C

I must be in the minority here, but I'm sticking it out. By sheer fluke, the delay until Nov suits me (more free cash due to way work pays me).

However, a letter suddenly stating December and I'll be joining Lensman et al on the 'other cars' road trip. From July to Nov, my own car won't have depreciated too much, but every penny lost is still a penny effectively added to the price this car (the 8) is really costing me.

Stu C

Jon H

Here's my angle on this.
I've got no doubt this is one of the great cars of the decade. I am happy to wait for it, like all the best things. In fact this was the case with the other cars I looked at, the Audi TT (3 months) and Mini Cooper S (6 months +).
But my problem is, if Mazda is happy to treat our market with such disinterest, verging on the contempt on the initial sale, then what kind of aftermarket will we get? Thats what scares me the most. Having invested £22k of my own money in a new car for the first time in my life, I would expect a responsive manufacturer for both the routine work AND if anything goes wrong. The latter is a common stumbling block in a lot of cases but with Mazda my confidence is becoming non-existent and this is due to the obvious neglect of the European market.
I know this is a low volume, specialist car but it has attracted a lot of new customers to the marque, who are used to German cars or higher profile Japanese makes. A reputation can be ruined here and I need a confidence booster if I am to go ahead with my purchase, or recommend any kind of Mazda to my friends and family. You listening, Mazda?
JH

mr_digital_uk

My predicament is:

I've been going on about this car to my friends, my work colleagues and worst of all to my family for months now ....

They are all sick of it and they don't see what all the fuss is about ... i.e. one of the great new cars of the century.

I'm losing street cred rapidly and losing too much sleep over this car as well.

The only thing that's keeping me in the race is the thought of owning one by mid November ... any later and I'll probably just throw in the towel.

P.S. Mid November I'm guessing based on a 9th September shipping date from Hiroshima.

Mazda ... if you let us know the ship these cars are coming on (i.e. A NYL line or OSK line vessel) and gave us access to their position on a daily basis (i.e. via GPS tracking) then I'm sure we'd all be happy. Watching our babies slowly making their way around the world to us. No more winghing because we could see some progress for a change.

bugbear

Same as many of you:

I'm a laughing stock with my friends.

I had planned a summer touring vacation in the new car which had to be cancelled (expense).

The missus is getting cold feet and the longer I wait the more chance she has of getting her way.

I agree that the letter said nothing at all. No apology, no explanation of the delay and no explanation of the whole process, ie export, ship, import, dealer, etc. I'd like to have know ships are sailing but we can't tell exact dates because...., productions finished etc but ....

One reason I purchased the car was because of the good JD Power reports on Mazda themselves - this seems totally wrong.

Delays past Nov are not acceptable - further delays and I'm off.

jimbobjoe

This really is quite a dilemma, isn't it.

On the one hand we want the car. I'm still quite excited about the car itself. It's just so different from anything else I've ever owned, or anything else on the road really.

On the other, I never expected to have to wait until winter for the car. I had planned on a summer delivery, and like others had intended to go on holiday with the car. One of the contributing factors to rejecting the Z350 was its expected delivery date. I didn't want to wait that long. Ha!! So Mazda marketing can be congratulated in a way. They have dragged their heels so much over passing out information that we have been left in the dark for so long that we have grudgingly accepted these delays.

But no more Mazda. Fail to deliver on time, without a reasonable and timely explanation, and we'll organise a drive past HQ in our shiney new S2000s.

It is the lack of information that really grinds. I know that this is their first internet launch of a car, but the website sucks. Updating the website once every couple of months with a news article copied from someone else is pathetic. Really.

I would like to know:
When production finisished
When the boat left dock
How many boats/ how many cars
Expected landing day
Expected processing time at dock (customs et al)
Expected times for each batch of cars to dealers

You can put this on the website in a members only area, or send it to this forum and I'll post it here.

I want information every week. Even if that is just a 'nothing new this week' .

If you want to keep us happy, keep us informed.

You know that we'll find out any bad news anyway, and it's just so much better if you don't try to hide.

KEF

I'm afraid I have to agree with just about all these points guys, clearly this has turned into a fairly poor experience.

Sick fed up of defending Mazda to my colleagues, most of whom simply cannot believe that I am 'waiting' for a Mazda.

Out of pocket now due to expences on my existing car, Tax, MOT, servicing and parts. (would all have been avoided with a early august sale.)

Feeling of complete antipathy from Mazda towards the UK market, as the owner of a 'grey' MX-6 I've had trouble in the past from Mazda UK but it appears that Mazda themselves have little regard for this market.

Test drive? Show Car? the blue pre pro was the best they could manage?

Depreciation risk? something I've never been particularly comfortable with (tales of boxters for similar lease prices). In view of the problems in the states, will this become more of a problem?

At this stage, I'm holding on purely because of the glowing test drive reports made by some of our own forum members (I have more faith in their views on our roads than the views of US drivers with their spec and in their enviroment, no offense guys)

Had I been able to drive the car for myself, who knows perhaps I would be happy waiting or perhaps I would be looking elsewhere.

Waiting in vain for an unknown commodity...... RX-8 Preorders.

Titanium Grey

For me it's easy, any more large expenses on my current car and I wont be able to afford the RX-8 plain and simple.

I've spent around 1000 quid keeping the MX-6 on the road over the last 6 months but only get a promise of base book priice from the dealer (1500 quid). The MX-6 was only going to be part of the deposit but it looks like with all the delays I'm about to lose even that small amount of value.

I really want this car more than any other car I've looked at before, but I won't cripple myself financially to obtain it.

The most annoying thing is It's Mazda who's reaping the benefits of extra work on my MX-6 and also, although it's not alot, getting the interest on my 1000 pounds.

So will they throw away a larger profit by not taking into account the amount of money they have got from me having to keep my current car on the road?

rael

I have to agree. The further delays and lack of clear and concise explanations is creating a very negative buying experience which would suggest the ownership experience will not be great either (and that is the main reason I have not gone for the 147 GTA). And its costing me money, not only will I now have to service my car but its part exchange value is decreasing by a certain figure every month. Also, I am not keen on picking the car up mid winter, I was looking forward to some summertime drives in 2003.

This has become a bit of a 'monkey on our back' as pointed out earlier and I may just dump the whole process and reconsider in 12 months time once this nonsense has straightened itself out.

rael

18ME

I could say that I'm not really bothered about when the delivery is, as this car would be used as a second/fun car anyway. BUT when I ordered I was told delivery would be around July/August so I thought it would be great for the summer, so its not going to be summer time use after all and no enjoyment for those few months.
I have a perfect car for the winter at the moment because of the 4 wheel drive so there is no advantage for me to take delivery of this car in the winter.

So I ask myself why should I take delivery of a car that I'm not going to use much at all for the first 6 months?

I have answered my own question.

18ME

I still havn't had this letter anyway

simrjor

Do you think we should get some of the Mags/sites listed in the web review involved. It may force them into a better response if they start asking questions.

AndyPearce

Not sure we want to start a negative press campaign on a car that we have a vested interest in the residuals of.

I think this thread will keep Mazda UK happy looking at the results. They can see that they have the majority of us over the proverbial barrel.

Jon Brittan

When I first put down my deposit I had been considering (and scouring the national and import markets for) a late model 3rd Gen. RX7, but I saw the 8 and decided that if it was all it was cracked up to be then the extra two seats and practicality would be useful (and also make it an easier sale to the wife), so down went the deposit.

Then the specs dropped... then a bit more... then there were delays after delays.

The thing is, I'm normally exceptionally thorough in looking at cars before I'd make a decision over which to buy, and while I've looked at some, for once that was suspended with my interest in the RX8. However, these delays are just giving my mind time to wander and generally find itself in other manufacturers garages looking at other cars. Infact, it was told the other day "Waiting list, yeah I know, but if you want one we could get you a Boxster S tomorrow" and even knowing that I can't stand Porsches as a matter of taste, I was tempted.

Any more delays and I'm afraid that deposit will be back in my pocket and then into another manufacturers accounts faster than the RX8 (with original HP rating) hits 60...

Jon Brittan

Hahaha, they could have some sick jokes with that.

You have an image of a global map and a litle blip representing the ship. Imagine if some git decided to turn off the tracking for a couple of hours in the middle of the day so that all the people sat in offices thinking "There's my baby in the middle of the sea" see the blip disappear... Then turn it on a while later and post a message to screen saying "Had you going, didn't I?"

ROTORIST

I was hoping to have the car for our trip to the french alps in JULY, no such luck had to fly and hire a car which was not the smoothest way of getting there, especially when my mountain bike did not arrive on the same flight as we did!

Next trip to the alps scheduled for December, what do we do?

We will not be flying!!!

The RX7 does not have the capacity for luggage/ski equipment!

The RX8 would be the answer and a fine one at that!

If it is not here I will be reluctantly looking into something along the lines of a Volvo V40 Turbo Estate, not what I want but very practical. I need to make a decision in good time for a change of direction.

So to date I am still in the dark as to when Mazda will deliver, just a proposed date within the period of a month, THIS IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!!!!!! (and still unbelieveable)

The lack of sympathy conveyed by Mazda to their pre order customers concerning these delays is very disapointing!!!

rich606

As I've said before i didnt order until start of August & was told that car should be delivered by October/November.

Received letter today confirming December delivery so not too far out.

However what concerns me most is the apparent total disregard Mazda seem to have for their customers. I have every sympathy for the people (not a small minority either) who have been trying to prise information for the last 10 months!!!

+£20k is a lot (for me anyway) to fork out on car & if you walked into any shop in Britain with the intention of spending that amount of money you would usually needa shoe-horn to get the salesman out of your ****!!

Not only that but this is my first (& probably last) experience of buying a new car, & a special car at that so why are Mazda going all out to make it a miserable experience when it should be highly exciting?? (or am i just a saddo?)

I agree with others that say Mazda should communicate regularly. Even if they were not sure on all the facts then a letter statng this is better than feeding off the resultant rumours when we are blanked!!!!!

black knight

300.. that is and its fab - not a sports car but oh so comfortable :D

Re Mazda I got a letter from them too - which was a surprise as I had cancelled the week before. Go figure

Have to say glad I took the leap - another delay into Nov would have had me blowing a gasket as some of you seem close to be doing. Instead I just smiled and shook my head - and then wondered where my cheque was?

But you have to say.....you expected more delays right?

Mazda- very disappointed indeed!!!

BK

MarkW

Told some colleagues at work about my test drive today, conversation went something like this:

"So when are you getting it"
"November"
"Thought it was October"
"It was"
"Wasnt it originally July"
"Yes"
"Thats not very good is it"
"No it isnt"
"So is as fast as the scooby"
"No"
"But at least you'll save money on fuel wont you"
"Err, no I wont the rotary is very thirsty"
"So, why are you getting it, I'd keep the Scoob if I were you"
"Well it looks nice, and has a rotary engine and a nice stereo, and freestyle doors, etc etc"
"Oh"

aaaaarrrrgggggghhhh!!

rael

One of my work buddies saw the silver 8 in Vancouver last week and said it looked fantastic.

And there is the rub, Mazda won't and don't have to do anything as the 8 will sell itself on looks alone. Nearly 2000 orders in the UK all putting £1000 down without a test drives. This thing is walking out the door and the queue will be a mile long once the cars are in the country.

One either accept that Mazda are treating us very badly but the need for the car is too strong or one walks away with options to come back later for the improved mark II.

I'm still in two mind especially as the TTC come into its own in the winter with its 4 wheel drive capability. Also, I think November will turn to January as bugger all happens in December.

rael

Lensman

I won't be taking delivery of an RX-8 in January or any other month in 2004. Or December 2003 come to that!

oilman

30 votes so far. Surely that's not all of us!!

Any more for any more??

What about you browsers, you must have an opinion.

Cheers
Oilman