tallguylehigh

Hmm, that's odd, I was at that show too and I asked about the climate control. The salesman said that the automatic climate control would only be available on the GT package.

So it is standard, but only on the GT package for those of you who were a little confused.

SA22C

That's bullshit. There is no reason to believe that the RX-8 will be anything BUT reliable. All N/A rotaries are known for their longevity, and there are thousands of examples of 1st and 2nd Generation RX-7s on the road today that validate Mazda's quality. Not to mention the Miata, which is the most bulletproof sports car out there. The only thing that could be of issue is dealer experience, and Nissan typically rated poorly, right along with Mazda. Your individual experience will vary, of course. The Mazda dealership in Saskatoon has a lot of ***** working for it, but their rotary mechanic is a good, knowledgeable guy whom I have trusted to work on my car on more than one occasion.

I'm sick and tired of people slagging on rotaries without any evidence to back themselves up. The only times when rotaries performed poorly in the reliability department was when they were turbocharged in the 3rd Generation, and when they were first introduced, when they had sealing problems. There is no other motor on the planet that can go a whole racing season without a teardown and still function at peak levels, and we all know which Japanese motor company won LeMans, and which engine they used. I'll give you a hint: It wasn't Nissan.

Skyline Maniac

Bullshit?

You want evidence? Go to a Mazda dealership and observe their level of service compared to other brands. Is Nissan any better? Not by much, if any~ that's with similar pricing, I wouldn't recommend a Nissan either. Here is a couple of 2002 studies by JD Powers in case you want some 'evidence' but couldn't find any. These are not definitive of all dealership and all vehicles, but it certainly reflects how a car company/dealerships are ran. btw: I owned Mazdas for over a decade before giving up on the company. My experience with them certainly reflects what is shown here. (Also owned an Infiniti Q, which had been in the shop for repair once in the last 8 years.)



I am not here to bash the car, but these are real issues for people to consider when purchasing a new car. (Which I am sure 'most' forum members are well aware of) I know some of you don't want to hear it, but I don't see the need for flaming over valid issues. If you owned Mazda vehicles in the past, then you can judge their level of service/built quality for yourself. I am sure there are good Mazda dealerships out there if you are lucky. Reliability of the Renesis is up in the air because the car is not out yet. If you believe the Renesis will be as reliable as the LeMans racer, then more power to you.


*Look on the brighter side, Mazda is more dependable than Mercedes Benz.

Maximus

there goes the crusade again! :-)

rxeightr

Notice on the Dependability Index that Mazda was the last one listed, but by far not the last one.

The industry average is higher (worse) than Mazdas, so there are plently of less dependable manufacturers out there. This list is actually the BEST manufacturers above the average!

wakeech

...the funny thing is though, SM, that the RX-8 isn't even out yet, and thus couldn't be counted in those statistics, making them completely meaningless.
as a company, yes, it's obvious that Mazda has fallen short overall with their cars' production, but there ARE outliers for any company: look at the Miata. would that in any way fall into those statistics you've posted?? hell no. why MUST the RX-8 be any different?? the reality is we don't know yet, so there isn't any reason that anyone should be so convinced this car will be a bad buy.

...also, the reliability of the RENESIS isn't up in the air... for god's sakes man, they're: first, not going to make another 13BREW, and second, it's so similar to the series 6 13B, AND has been in development as a concept (since they built the 280ps MSP-RE) for EIGHT years, i wouldn't say that reliability is that big a question mark. we dont' know one way or the other, but who the hell would think that when Toyota comes out with a new engine that it could be a real grenade?? no one. one bad apple doesn't spoil the lot if they're all in separate barrells, and "picked" at different times, not to mention engineered with different goals, by different people, learning from mistakes learned in the past.

get over yourself SM, you're TRYING to not like the car, LOOKING TOO HARD for reasons why it won't work.

Skyline Maniac

Before someone jumps in here and shout "Who cares, customer satisfaction index is BS and we don't need it." I'd just like to point out, it's not impossible to achieve this goal, as long as the company is committed. Initial quality or not, customers should be able to expect quality dealership service after purchasing a big ticket item. I certainly don't want to be treated like a Protege owner if I were to shell out $30k for a RX8. It can be done, and it sure as hell seems that way in luxury land:



If this were the case in the USA, I am sure Mazda sales would sky rocket. Unfortunately, the US dealerships follow a very different path when it comes to service. So the problem is with Mazda USA and Mazda dealerships around the countries. They wave off their customers saying "What did you expect? This is no Mercedes dealship," and the sad truth is some customers actually agree with them. Now that's bullshit~

btw: I do like the car, that's why I think Mazda should work harder to make it more appealing to the market. Little changes like improving the image and service attitude can go a long way in gaining customer loyalty.

wakeech

*cough* ...just to add, read the subtitle there on SM's second graph: Audi, Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, LandRover, Merc-Benz, Mitsu, Olds, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Suzuki, Volkswagon, and Volvo... all of these (not in that order necessarily) are worse than Mazda for quality... does that now mean these cars have their wheels fall off if you close the door too hard?? no, and the RX-8 probably *knock knock* won't either... sheesh.

wakeech

then what you should say is that "The car is good, but i don't know if i want to put up with Mazda dealerships to own one", rather than saying what you did... just because you dont' like the company doesn't mean they can't make good cars.

Skyline Maniac

I thought I said RX8 is an excellent car, but Mazda dealerships are actually pushing away potential customers. This is something they can and should change with their new product line up. Dependability we can deal with, but dealership service should be rebuilt from the buttom up. Most skilled Mazda technicians have gone independent, especially the rotary mechanics. (Keep in mind the miniscule $$ Mazda pays them, and the fact the last time a rotary engine was in Mazda lineup was nearly a decade ago) Most hardcore RX-7 owners I know either work on the car in their own garage or take them to independent shops for service. At an autoX last year, a group of RX7 owners told me they would never take their cars to a Mazda dealership because of their lack of skill and knowledge when it comes to rotaries and mechanics in general. A study in the wage Mazda dealership pays their mechanics and incentives Mazda dealerships get from HQ might reveal an interesting story.

Guess I should have rephrased it better to avoid offending other members.

P00Man

enough whining already.......does ANY of that have ANYTHING to do with the show impressions?
________
Bmw 335 (1939 - 1941)

chenpin

so true...

wakeech

first page does. in this forum, that can be enough :p

Donny Boy

I too went to the NY Auto Show.

I saw the RX-8 up close and personal for the first time and here are my impressions. There was not a minute when there wasn't a crowd around the car, and I was there on a weekday. People were flocking around the car.

Most of the uninitiated to the wankel engine were set straight by the engine display and my input, I hope I did the engine justice.

And those who did not know about the car, well thanks to this Forum, I was able to amply fill them in. I think I sold two very attractive elderly ladies on the idea of the 6 speed manual, though I do believe they would opt for the autostick if in fact they do buy. But they loved the car.

What I did like:

Firstly, the dash board was better in person than I expected. The ***** and switches have a solid yet nice to the touch that seems from BMW or Mercedes quality.

Secondly, the seat was very comfortable. Good lateral support, butt support and thigh support. Holds you like a glove and the leather was soft enough to the feel.

Thirdly, the curve of the front fender over the wheel, like a pontoon (almost) is both beautiful and unique.

Fourthly, the engine sits waaaaay back in the chassis. Really front mid engine.


Fifthly, the stance from behind looks really wide, sort of like a performance car stance. But then it really is a performance car, isn't it.

What I did not like:

I did not like the silver painted center console and backs of the seats. It was peeling off at the show. HOWEVER, I did speak with a Mazda Rep who told me that was because it was a pre-production car with hastily put together parts for the shows. Also, the car was going through thousands of people in and out and in and out and in and so on . . . . This is my only peeve, and I hope that it is fixed by the time we get the production models.

Furthermore, if the rear door is closed after the front door is pulled in, there can be damage to the rear door, as there was on the display car. This should be addressed, or else it will be a real problem for those who might forget (read me, for instance). I guess I just have to be extra careful.

Overall, though, I utterly loved the car. Best combination of practicality and performance.

rxeightr

This is exactly what I am hoping for! Thanks Donny Boy for the post.

ACRX8

Was the RX-8 the production car?

Donny Boy

No, pre production at the show.

danielk015

iTrader: (1)

just wanted to put my two cents in as i drove the car for a couple minutes... first of all, im a 6'0 175pds... the car i drove had a sunroof, which was closed, and there was an ince or two to spare for me... i didnt even notice whether or not my head was going to hit the ceiling, as there was plenty of room... as for the seats, they are very comfy, i would say just as comfy as the 330ci...

jtdwab

I was lucky enough to get a business trip to NY this last Wednesday. It was up and back in one day so I didn't have long. I had to rush from the middle of Brooklyn to the show, run in and see the 8 then grab a cab and head for the airport for my return flight. I didn't see anything else at the show but the 8 and whatever was between the building door and the car.

I wish I could have had more time but I was on a schedule. I had only left myself 2 hours to get from the show to LaGuardia at 5:00 in the afternoon.

As for impressions it was kinda of a blur. I had so little time. I can say for all you 5' 6" or so people who were worried about fitting their was no problem (sorry you 6 footers out their but its the price you pay for being able to see over everybody else). I think I have looked at most every picture that has been posted of the 8 and so seeing in the flesh was not a life altering experience. Don't get me wrong I love the cars lines but I've seen so many angles in pictures I didn't see anything new.

I guess my big interest in going to the show is would I like the car from the inside. I have seen all the picts of the interior but sitting in it the only way to know for sure. As I told my wife (when I called from the cab) "It fits like a glove". I felt secure, comfortable and ready to drive. All the controls were within reach and easy to see. I wish they had power on so I could see the display lit up.

In the long run it was a surreal experience for me. I sat on the plane home going through the pictures I took and couldn't belive I had seen the car up close. It didn't seem real. I guess I was to rushed to get a chance to relax and soak in the car. I'm glad I went for nothing else than to say I did. I have been to several smaller auto shows (Atlanta, Philly) and the micro motor trend sponsored show that came to Greenville, but none can compare to this. I think in the next couple of years I will try to make back to NY to see the whole show or try to get to Detroit.

I can't wait till the Revitup series makes to Charlotte NC next month. I will have a lot more time and no schedule (excluding track time) to pull me away. I know nobody has had a chance to drive the 8 at these events but its not going to stop me from asking.

Now I just have to figure out how I am going to pay for the car I have preordered.

Hercules

If you can make it to one show.. I'd hit detroit myself.

I just happen to live within arms lenght of the NY show so that's where I go

rxtreme

iTrader: (1)

Just got back from the show myself. I personally cannot wait to own a RX-8. I was very impressed.

The reps there said climate control comes standard.

I asked about delivery dates. They believe late May, early June for first allocations.

I did a personal comparison between the RX-8 and G35C and I didn't think you were gaining any real luxury advantage in the G35. The choice of materials (dash, console, and seats) in the RX-8 were just as good, if not better than the G35. However, I did see the paint being chipped off the corner of the drivers seat on the titanium RX-8. Not good, but I was also assured this was a pre-production problem combined with excessive wear from the shows. On the G35, I personally did not like the dash cluster layout---particuliarly the choice of backlight color for the tach/speedo. Reminded me of an Altima...Cheap, IMO. I, too, wish I could could have seen the RX-8 lit up, but from what I've heard and seen in pictures, it sounds like the RX-8 would be the winner. The exterior of the RX-8 is even more impressive in person than pictures give it credit. The curves on that car are just incredible. Anyways, if it even drives half as good as it looks and feels standing still, it will be one awesome car.

erik

It's funny. I asked a rep if climate control and the 6 disk changer were standard for the CD package. She basically read the list from the web site and told me no. She then went on and said why would such a small car have climate control. I just nodded my head, since climate control really isn't important to me.

I wish we could just get consistent answers!!

And my 2 buddies like the G35c more then the 8. But what do they know!! :-D

ERIK

Lensman

It's sure as heck standard on the UK model! It doesn't matter how small the car is it still needs heating or cooling. Stupid woman!

rxtreme

iTrader: (1)

I'm not saying the G35 is not a nice car, because it is. All I'm saying is I personally don't see it as being more "luxurious" than the RX-8. By just looking at the cars, side-by-side, what significant features does the G35 have that would make anyone believe that it is way better than the RX-8? Maybe the analog/aluminum clock? The RX-8's styling--both inside and out--is definitely a bolder statement than the G35. Some may not like that (maybe too boy-racer like?), but I personally think it's appearance says "sports car". In fact, I would say the RX-8's interior design cues were taken loosely from the BMW M3: The textured, rubberlike dashoard material and lacquered finish and the two-tone color scheme with the seats and the rest of the interior is very similiar to the BMW.

You get all this for a price less than the G35...not if it only has a greater driving pleasure than the G35, than we have a winner.

On the flip side, I was speaking to others looking at the RX-8 commenting that it had "no guts", referring to it's lack of torque in comparison to the 350Z and G35. Another mentioned it was "slow, only 14.5 in the 1/4 mile". Well, you can't please them all and if they haven't driven both, then I can't see how they can make such comments.

wrxdriver

I just saw the car at the auto show and was very impresed, so impresed in fact that I am thinking about selling my worked WRX to buy one. I have spent alot of money on my WRX but there is just something about the RX8 that I can't get over. The titanium one, I think that what color it was was sick, thats the color I would get. So what does a fully loaded Rx8 cost?

Anyone want to buy a worked WRX? We'll see how it plays out. I want to wait to drive one before I decide, but right now the car is looking very good. I will probably wait until this time next year to get one unless I am that impressed with the test drive.

The car is so nice, congrats to everyone who got one, I think you made a great choice.

Drew