and then my rx8 cost $70,000.00

oh well, most of them are a must!

yeah, it looks like there was an indent for the original start button before it was scrapped, however it doesn't look like it will fit in that left side of the dash anymore. i wonder what all it entails as far as wiring is concerned. I'm assuming they will "disable" the "start engine" portion of the key.

Interesting...speaking of the LED shift knob. I thought the Japanese models only came with a 5-speed?

zoom44, since you're checking out the japanese site, I figured you might be interested in this little translation site I ran across: http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/wwwjdic.html

just click "traslate words in Japanese Text" and it works really well. I figured out that picture with the wires was indeed an electrostatic discharge kit such as someone had previously suggested. anyhow, if you copy and past from the mazda.co.jp site into that webpage, it helps put english descriptions to some of the pictures out there...

Yes. you are right. The map data is stored in Hard Disk Drive.
This is one of dealer options in Japan.

-----------------------
Yuhki.

much thanks trip!

That's a one way to boost tourism in Japan....... I visited Japan for it's Auto Saloon, Race Queens and auto-marts..........:D :D :D

acc to the site the start button replaces the coin compartment next to the steering wheel.

i missd this the other day in trips post. the strakes are available in japanhttp://www.rx-8.mazda.co.jp/soption/F152V4300.JPG

hopefully that means they will become available here soon.

for any of you dealer forum members, or anyone with more experience buying aftermarket for cars, how difficult, if at all possible, will it be to order add-ons available in japan if they aren't offered in the US.

I am planning on asking Brown Mazda in Fairfax when I go down there if they have any experience with this. They seem to do a lot of mods to vehicles above and beyond mazda accessories, so I figure they might be able to get the parts from japan, and hopefully without too much of a markup.

I really want the strakes, LED shifter, startbutton, keyless handless entry, colored (red) middle compartment covers, red rearview mirror, rear foglamp, boot spoiler and maybe a few other things I can't think of now. I just don't want to have to pay $10,000 for the options I want.

Super-easy.

If you can get the part number, your dealer should be able to order it.

If not, you can use corksport.com.

It is not true that if you simply have a Mazda part number that your local Dealer can order it. Some parts managers are great, understand the rotary enthusiast, and are willing to help, I happen to know one who isn't even in my state! Most others act like they are former government employees or civil servants and are unwilling to lift a finger if they have to actually do some work (my local dealership, as an example). Case in point, I own a very rare (by U.S. standards) Mazda. I have all of the manuals and when I need basic parts, despite the fact that I have valid, Mazda part numbers, I get stares of bewilderment. Mazda NA is not Mazda Japan. They have to go through a "middleman." It can be done, but for a dealer to help you, they have to feel there is something in it for them - this is a relationship building process. You really are better off going through a place like CorkSport if you don't have any good contacts. Sorry for the rant...

Shitty comment. I'm sure there are plenty of Government Workers or Civil Servants on this forum that are just that "Servants" and/or "Workers". Lazy employees are everywhere just visit any Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Restaraunt, and even your local Mazda Dealer.

stupid comment!!!!!!!!!!!!

back to the subject...
 

:D

now that's child seat is what's interesting to me... i just heard a child supposed to be in a child seat until he's/she's 40 lbs (or 4 years).