the Jetta V6 against the 6s and Altima 3.5, all with manual transmissions. The Altima whipped them both, but the Mazda was clearly faster than the Jetta at all points tested. Mazda was the handling and overall winner as well. I don't know where all these rumors of a weak V6 in the Mazda are coming from. I suspect it's more a case of a reluctant auto tranny than a weak engine. Don't call the 6s slow unless you've driven it with the manual. It may not beat the Altima, but it will "more than keep up with" the rest of its competition.
For any of you still trying to decide between the 6i and 6s, this is my back-to-back test drive report. Yesterday I finally was able to drive the Mazda 6s-MT and 6I-MT back-to-back. The only option on the 6s was the Sport Package. The 6i had ABS as it’s only option. Note that this means the 6s had 17-inch wheels and the 6i had 16-inchers. I drove the 6s first. One of the first things I noticed about the 6s was that I felt a little nose-heavy. Could this have been my prejudice at work, knowing that it was 200 pounds heavier than the 6i? Maybe, but I hadn’t driven the 6i yet. Overall the 3.0L V6 engine in the 6s was very smooth, and power delivery was very linear. It does not have the low-end power of the 3.5L engine in the Altima or Maxima, but felt good anyway. My first impression of the steering was that it felt a little stiff, but I got used to it quickly. The engine sounded good, right up to 5000RPM. I did a few low speed turns under heavy throttle, which is my favorite test of FWD car handling. It felt good. I also did a few S-turns in a parking lot (Wal-Mart), and I liked the handling there as well. Overall I liked it. I really liked the auto AC system. I didn’t play with the radio, but it had the stock system anyway. Oh, and the engine turned about 3200 RPMs at 75 MPH. Then I drove the 6i. Before I left the parking lot, I could notice a significant difference in the overall feel of the car. The steering felt easier, more “right”, which I thought was interesting since the 6i had only the 16-inch wheels. I wondered what it would feel like with the 17s. When I got out on the road what I noticed immediately was that it felt lighter on it’s feet than the 6s. It had a generally quicker feel to it. The best description I could give is that it just feels more balanced than the 6s. The handling difference is most noticeable when powering out of a turn under heavy throttle (my favorite FWD test, remember?). The 2.3L engine sounds way different than the V6, but sounded good (real nice at 5000RPM). It has a real nice sound when you punch it too. It’s a very free-revving motor. I thought it had plenty of power for around town, though for passing power on the highway the V6 would be better. I never really floored it and it seemed to get to 75 MPH effortlessly. The engine turns about 3100 RPMs at 75 MPH. S-turns in the parking lot (Wal-Mart again) were effortless, and I did way more than with the 6s. The bottom line? The two models really do feel different. The best I could say in a few words is that the 6i feels more balanced. In my opinion, the additional power of the V6 in the 6s does not outweigh the overall better handling and feel of the 6i. I'll probably go for the 6i.
That was actually my experience in driving the two back to back. I had noted in several reviews that they said the 6i handled better, and I agree, the extra weight seemed just a tad too much for the extra engine on the 6s, and the 6i handles really well. It will be a hard choice for me if I decide to get one!
mazda6s: You're going have to change your user name to mazda6i if you get the 6i. When you drove tested the 2 were they broken in (over 600mi)? I test drove a 6i MT which I felt fairly good acceleration, handled great, but a little tight (had about 200 mi on it). The intake/exhaust sounded like a super tuner car. When I picked up my 6s MT it had 5 mi on it and felt a little tight. With over 3K miles on it now it now handles even better and accelerates quicker. I think others with the 6s feel the same way. And you can't beat that throaty acceleration roar. Either way, the 6i is still a great car. vocus: What are we going to do about you? I haven't seen too many recent posts on 6 problems. How's the VW problem board doing lately? A co-worker down to hall from my office has 2000 Passat that's been in for repairs for various reasons. One time she got stranded (bad coil) on the highway during our latest snow storm. It's in the shop again with a steering shimmy problem. She doesn't feel safe driving it because it's been so unreliable and wants to get rid of it. She was going to get a Camry, but she's seen my 6 in the parking lot and she may go test drive one this weekend. She's single so I told her the 6 would be more fun to drive, since a Camry is more of a family oriented car. I'm averaging about 24.4 mpg on my 6s MT after 3100 mi, but I drive like maniac, like a-bat-out of-hell (80 - 120 mph) on the almost clear highway at night after work. I have a radar detector (Cobra) just in case I get scoped. I turned my TCS due to the warmer weather (no icy roads) and I can feel the increase in acceleration. One wonders if the auto mags are getting the 6's acceleration results with the TCS on? I'll also see if my gas mileage increases with the TCS off. The Altima SE and the new '04 Maxima may have one of the highest hp & torque and the best acceleration in their class, but trying to get control of the steering wheel ("White Knuckles) is a challenge according to recent test reports. To 6 owners, soon-to-be 6 owners, wanna-be 6 owners and don't-care-to-be(envious)-6 owners check out the Mazda6Club (US and worldwide owners) site which has a lot of new info. 6 sales I heard are picking up, I think others are waiting to purchase or have ordered the RX-8 and others sre waiting for the anticipated (AWD?) 6 hatch and wagon and the 3. And let's not forget about the MazdaSpeed lines.
fowler3: Try http://www.MazdaAtenza.com or http://www.Mazda6club.com/forums. Also forgot to mention that the 6 received the 21st annual Driver's Choice Award at the Chicago Autoshow and it also was voted Motorweeks 2003 Sports Sedan! This on top of other recognition awards from various auto mags, such as, Car & Driver 2003 10 Best for 2003, Automobile Mag All-Star Editor's Choice and others world-wide! Not bad for a first year car!
gee: Do you mean "this month" meaning March or April? So when are you going to be buying your Element so that it will be 6235 or 1 or whatever for "this month"?
The sales figures are very good. I just hope the discounting is not happening. We'll know soon though I think because people will post on these boards what they paid and everything like that.
As for the 6 vs the Passat: If I had to choose a family sedan today those would be my 1-2 Choices. The edge would go to the 6: its sportier, Mazda's have always been reliable, and the 6 is the cheaper car. The only thing the VW provides is the better interior in my opinion. I 'm not a big fan of German Cars but If you like it you like the car. I used to be a Honda Accord man: too bad the new Accord looks like an American Car. When I was 16 or 17 the 96 or 97 accord was a favorite car of my mine. I'm just showing an emblem is not a part of my decision when buying.
I would hope for Honda's sake that the Element outsold the 6. Honda has always outsold Mazda. I mean, My God... Honda sold over 121,000 CARS in March. Mazda sold less than 19,000 vehicles (cars AND trucks).
From that perspective, the Element ain't lookin' so good.
Mazda has announced a great conquest incentive for the month of April...This applies to most markets but not all.
If you currently own or lease an Accord, Camry, Passat or Altima and purchase or lease a new Mazda6 between 4/1-4/30 you will get a 6 year/100,000 powertrain warranty from mazda at no additional cost!!!!
also....The owners of these conquest vehicles are NOT required to trade them in to qualify for the 6 year/100K warranty.
From a buyers standpoint this is the best kind of incentive. When a cash incentive or rabate is offered it causes the resale value to drop big time...this type of incentive improves the vehicles resale values.
"If you currently own or lease an Accord, Camry, Passat or Altima and purchase or lease a new Mazda6 between 4/1-4/30 you will get a 6 year/100,000 powertrain warranty from mazda at no additional cost!!!!"
That's a head turner for sure. The gloves appear to be coming off. Wish I could've scored that - I drive enough to need the 100k covereage.
I doubt Mazda would do a promotion like this unless they didn't have faith the the reliability of their car. 6 years and 100k is a LONG time.
Where you get this info? I can't find it on the mazdausa site. That is a sweet incentive.
I have a 92 accord at home and was a big honda fan before. Mazda is winning me over with the M6, P5 and RX-8. That makes another Honda fan jumping ship.
hmmm.... Was going to buy a M6s next year but this incentive might be too good to pass up. If anyone one can provide a link for more info on it, it would be greatly appreciated. Plus might make me buy the car this month. Was a little worried about reliability but if Mazda is willing to back it up then I might take them up on that offer.
Once a get a VIN number from the dealer on my ordered car, is there a way I can "track" my car's progress at Mazda? I thought I remembered people mentioning doing this, but I just emailed Mazda and they replied:
Unfortunately, even with the VIN, we would not be able to track the progress of your vehicle. We may be able to provide an estimate time the vehicle will be at the dealership.
mazdamarla: The e-mail you received from Mazda is accurate. All you would be able to get from them is an ETA at the dealership. In my case, Mazda was kind enough to call me whenever the ETA changed. Last time they called me they said that the ETA for my vehicle is now the 2nd week of April instead of the 4th.
stretchie.....When a customer is shopping the Accord and others our salespeople go right after their lack of warranty support. "why won't honda warranty their car for 4yr/50K bumper to bumper? why won't honda provide you with a loaner car for service? why wont honda give you roadside assistance?" asking these questions really plants the seed that Mazda is serious about product support.
conquest age......I have a call into mazda about this question...but I have seen nothing that limits the age of the conquest car. The only requirement is to show current ownership of qualifiying makes/models.
According to Mazda....80% of all the current buyers of the Mazda6 currently or recently owned one of the conquest cars.
I wonder if this new warranty offer isn't a result of the leadership change at Mazda N.A. - Charlie Hughes for James O'Sullivan. It makes sense. Enough time has passed since Hughes was ousted and O'Sullivan's job is to get Mazda to 300,000 units per year. He was also just announced on Monday.
No I didn't think you were serious. I was just being facetious just as you were by mentioning it in the first place. And I brought the Element up in the first place as an example of a vehicle that was successfully introduced "in this terrible economy". In that context it is relevant.
I was impressed with Mazda's "service" follow up and offer of roadside assistance. Seriously, it makes you wonder why Honda insists on treating customers the way they do. Yes, they DO sell a lot of cars, so maybe roadside assistance for that many customers would send them to the poor house. But it just seems like helping a owner out only wins bonus points, even if you never use the service.
Hey everyone, I just traded my 2000 Protege in for a Mazda6i with sport package. I love this car so much but I have a question for all of you 6s owners. I have noticed in some pictures the sport package cars have a shiny black trim on the thin strip of plastic in between the glove box and the upper dash. My car does not have that but I do have the sport package. Is that only on the V6 M6?
Maybe they replace the faux carbon fiber trim with a black one so it doesn't contrast too much with the black interior. Why your 6i doesn't have the black trim may be a production-run change.
I have the rear mudgards on my 6. I have the 17" rims but not the sports package. They fill out the wheel wells nicely and they're dirt cheap($30 CDN)and easy to put on. You can't put them on the sports package though as the rear finisher acts as the mud guards.
I would do it as it balances out the front guards as well as being useful.
In the midst of a killer ice storm in Toronto(will this winter ever end) and drove back from a friends house and the 6 performed admirably. TCS came on a couple of times but still felt confident. Actually 1 bonehead cut me off(it was an Accord so I think it was intentional) and almost ran me into the ditch. The car recovered quite nicely and probably would have spun out with most other cars. One thing I have noticed is how good the braking is in the 6 in snow. ABS did not come on once.
that funky trim above the glove box is one a few things that bugs me about the 6.. looks kinda chintzy (a word?.. or did I spell it right.. I dunno). Also, the clear (illuminated) circular gauge/control rings on the dash don't do a whole lot for me either. Wouldn't have noticed had someone else not pointed it out.
As far as this powertrain extention goes, what is the normal warranty on it? a year or two less?
Regardless, I own a Camry. Lucky me. I rock. Mazda rocks. I'm on my way. Figure 8s in the desert soon to come. hehe.
Ok seriously, so I THOUGHT I had figured out what a rear finisher was, but, from your post it's now clear that I STILL don't know what the heck that thing is!
Today I had the sportsgrille installed on my 6s auto. The grille wasn't available when I picked the vehicle up at the end of March, but the cost was included in my financing. I was told by the salesperson that I would be able to keep the original grille, but the aftermarket parts department refused to give it back to me today after the new installation. By the way, installation consisted of two screws, four plastic tabs, and about 3 minutes. I can understand not giving me the standard 16" wheels when I opted for the sports package, but this grille is more like getting the all-weather floor maps, in which you get to keep the standard carpet mats. I was told the original grille had to be sent back to the factory. I paid over $200 dollars for this plastic grille that can be had for $150 at mazdaformance.com or $156 mazdastuff.com. I didn't mind paying extra because the amount was included in the original purchase and I wouldn't have to worry about shipping charges or out of pocket cash. I feel I got screwed. One option I will probably take is contacting the salesperson I worked with to purchase the car. I still haven't filled out his evaluation, so I guess that can be used as leverage since he originally told me I could keep the standard grille. I actually made it a point to specifically ask about keeping the grille, so there was no misunderstanding. What are your suggestions?
All is not bad. I'm approaching 1000 miles and decided to push the car more today. I've exceeded 5000 RPMs and really felt the power as I accelerated. I topped out over 100 mph too! This was done on a straight deserted country road with great visibility, so don't worry about me running over other people. The engine sounds great when being pushed. This car is definately getting better with the added miles. I now use the manual mode in the city and regular automatic in the country. The stop and go acceleration seems better in the manual mode. On the open road the computer does a better job of shifting. Anyway, this is hands down the best car value I've ever owned or seen.
They absolutely SHOULD give you that grille back. They're full of it.
A mention of the evaluation survey should be all you need to get justice. The dealers really consider those important.
I've been holding on to mine until I get my MP3 player and mirror installed and the transaction is "complete." I've been very, very pleased with my dealer, but I don't want to report perfection till everything I've paid for is installed satisfactorily.
(And when my MP3 player goes in, I want my CD player back!)
That grille is yours. I would go back there the first chance I get and demand it back. They gave mine back with no questions asked, actually it was in my trunk and I didn't ask for it back originally. Same thing with my old mirror when I put the auto dimming one on. Raise your voice and ask to talk to the manager and mention something about contacting the head office and they'll probably give you 2 of them to shut you up. The squeaky wheel always gets the oil. Don't waste time with the survey, trust me this is the quickest way to get it back.
You'll be surprised how quickly you are catered to by any retailer if you act like a pissed off #@*hole especially when you have a legitimate beef.
One time with my MX-6 they quoted me $1000 for a repair on an exhaust stud about 500 miles after the warranty expired. They wouldn't budge and I was a poor student. After a few well placed calls to head office with threats of law suits(total B.S. I was a 21 year old shmuck) due to being a defect, a few days later they fixed it free of cost just to shut me up. Funny thing is it was misdiagnosed and it turned out to be a ripped hose or something, a very minor repair. So I ended up getting both done for free although 1 wasn't necessary but that's beside the point. Carmakers make enough money off you so don't get screwed + I find it fun to bust their chops a bit.
I haven't seen many Elements and where I live its Honda land. I have seen 3 Elements compared to 10 6's. Honda isn't hitting their audience with the Element.
Mazda sales were down this month but 6 sales were way up. Nobody buying the rest of the Mazda line-up or the reccesion and war is really hurting car sales?
Skyray, the mp3 player you mentioned; is that something you're getting through mazda, and if so, can you describe it and how it integrates with the dash? Thx.
There's a slot in the dash specifically for adding an MP3 or tape deck (yeah, right, who's gonna add a tape deck?) It's about the size of a normal tape deck hole and it's just got a silver cover over it. I imagine when you order the Mp3, they just remove that cover and slip in the new player. Now, that's on my BOSE system. I don't know what the standard stereo layout is like. Similar, I believe.
Comments
CL
Yesterday I finally was able to drive the Mazda 6s-MT and 6I-MT back-to-back. The only option on the 6s was the Sport Package. The 6i had ABS as it’s only option. Note that this means the 6s had 17-inch wheels and the 6i had 16-inchers. I drove the 6s first.
One of the first things I noticed about the 6s was that I felt a little nose-heavy. Could this have been my prejudice at work, knowing that it was 200 pounds heavier than the 6i? Maybe, but I hadn’t driven the 6i yet. Overall the 3.0L V6 engine in the 6s was very smooth, and power delivery was very linear. It does not have the low-end power of the 3.5L engine in the Altima or Maxima, but felt good anyway. My first impression of the steering was that it felt a little stiff, but I got used to it quickly. The engine sounded good, right up to 5000RPM. I did a few low speed turns under heavy throttle, which is my favorite test of FWD car handling. It felt good. I also did a few S-turns in a parking lot (Wal-Mart), and I liked the handling there as well. Overall I liked it. I really liked the auto AC system. I didn’t play with the radio, but it had the stock system anyway. Oh, and the engine turned about 3200 RPMs at 75 MPH.
Then I drove the 6i. Before I left the parking lot, I could notice a significant difference in the overall feel of the car. The steering felt easier, more “right”, which I thought was interesting since the 6i had only the 16-inch wheels. I wondered what it would feel like with the 17s. When I got out on the road what I noticed immediately was that it felt lighter on it’s feet than the 6s. It had a generally quicker feel to it. The best description I could give is that it just feels more balanced than the 6s. The handling difference is most noticeable when powering out of a turn under heavy throttle (my favorite FWD test, remember?). The 2.3L engine sounds way different than the V6, but sounded good (real nice at 5000RPM). It has a real nice sound when you punch it too. It’s a very free-revving motor. I thought it had plenty of power for around town, though for passing power on the highway the V6 would be better. I never really floored it and it seemed to get to 75 MPH effortlessly. The engine turns about 3100 RPMs at 75 MPH. S-turns in the parking lot (Wal-Mart again) were effortless, and I did way more than with the 6s.
The bottom line? The two models really do feel different. The best I could say in a few words is that the 6i feels more balanced. In my opinion, the additional power of the V6 in the 6s does not outweigh the overall better handling and feel of the 6i. I'll probably go for the 6i.
vocus: What are we going to do about you? I haven't seen too many recent posts on 6 problems. How's the VW problem board doing lately? A co-worker down to hall from my office has 2000 Passat that's been in for repairs for various reasons. One time she got stranded (bad coil) on the highway during our latest snow storm. It's in the shop again with a steering shimmy problem. She doesn't feel safe driving it because it's been so unreliable and wants to get rid of it. She was going to get a Camry, but she's seen my 6 in the parking lot and she may go test drive one this weekend. She's single so I told her the 6 would be more fun to drive, since a Camry is more of a family oriented car.
I'm averaging about 24.4 mpg on my 6s MT after 3100 mi, but I drive like maniac, like a-bat-out of-hell (80 - 120 mph) on the almost clear highway at night after work. I have a radar detector (Cobra) just in case I get scoped. I turned my TCS due to the warmer weather (no icy roads) and I can feel the increase in acceleration. One wonders if the auto mags are getting the 6's acceleration results with the TCS on? I'll also see if my gas mileage increases with the TCS off.
The Altima SE and the new '04 Maxima may have one of the highest hp & torque and the best acceleration in their class, but trying to get control of the steering wheel ("White Knuckles) is a challenge according to recent test reports.
To 6 owners, soon-to-be 6 owners, wanna-be 6 owners and don't-care-to-be(envious)-6 owners check out the Mazda6Club (US and worldwide owners) site which has a lot of new info. 6 sales I heard are picking up, I think others are waiting to purchase or have ordered the RX-8 and others sre waiting for the anticipated (AWD?) 6 hatch and wagon and the 3. And let's not forget about the MazdaSpeed lines.
fowler3
Also forgot to mention that the 6 received the 21st annual Driver's Choice Award at the Chicago Autoshow and it also was voted Motorweeks 2003 Sports Sedan! This on top of other recognition awards from various auto mags, such as, Car & Driver 2003 10 Best for 2003, Automobile Mag All-Star Editor's Choice and others world-wide! Not bad for a first year car!
Incidently, the 6i had less than 100 miles on it, and the 6s had ~120.
6234 Elements sold this month.
As for the 6 vs the Passat: If I had to choose a family sedan today those would be my 1-2 Choices. The edge would go to the 6: its sportier, Mazda's have always been reliable, and the 6 is the cheaper car. The only thing the VW provides is the better interior in my opinion. I 'm not a big fan of German Cars but If you like it you like the car. I used to be a Honda Accord man: too bad the new Accord looks like an American Car. When I was 16 or 17 the 96 or 97 accord was a favorite car of my mine. I'm just showing an emblem is not a part of my decision when buying.
From that perspective, the Element ain't lookin' so good.
If you currently own or lease an Accord, Camry, Passat or Altima and purchase or lease a new Mazda6 between 4/1-4/30 you will get a 6 year/100,000 powertrain warranty from mazda at no additional cost!!!!
This applies to instock mz6 cars sold this month.
From a buyers standpoint this is the best kind of incentive. When a cash incentive or rabate is offered it causes the resale value to drop big time...this type of incentive improves the vehicles resale values.
That's a head turner for sure. The gloves appear to be coming off. Wish I could've scored that - I drive enough to need the 100k covereage.
I doubt Mazda would do a promotion like this unless they didn't have faith the the reliability of their car. 6 years and 100k is a LONG time.
mazda6club.com works again- it was down yesterday.
I have a 92 accord at home and was a big honda fan before. Mazda is winning me over with the M6, P5 and RX-8. That makes another Honda fan jumping ship.
hmmm.... Was going to buy a M6s next year but this incentive might be too good to pass up. If anyone one can provide a link for more info on it, it would be greatly appreciated. Plus might make me buy the car this month. Was a little worried about reliability but if Mazda is willing to back it up then I might take them up on that offer.
Bet it wouldn't have counted... Dang tho... I just bought this puppy a month ago... Probably won't go retroactive will they?
dang.
Good deal tho. Very clever.
Unfortunately, even with the VIN, we would not be able to track the progress of your vehicle. We may be able to provide an estimate time the vehicle will be at the dealership.
conquest age......I have a call into mazda about this question...but I have seen nothing that limits the age of the conquest car. The only requirement is to show current ownership of qualifiying makes/models.
According to Mazda....80% of all the current buyers of the Mazda6 currently or recently owned one of the conquest cars.
Seriously, it makes you wonder why Honda insists on treating customers the way they do. Yes, they DO sell a lot of cars, so maybe roadside assistance for that many customers would send them to the poor house. But it just seems like helping a owner out only wins bonus points, even if you never use the service.
fowler3
How do they look? Are they worth the extra money? I am seriously like the M6 s model.
I would do it as it balances out the front guards as well as being useful.
In the midst of a killer ice storm in Toronto(will this winter ever end) and drove back from a friends house and the 6 performed admirably. TCS came on a couple of times but still felt confident. Actually 1 bonehead cut me off(it was an Accord so I think it was intentional) and almost ran me into the ditch. The car recovered quite nicely and probably would have spun out with most other cars. One thing I have noticed is how good the braking is in the 6 in snow. ABS did not come on once.
As far as this powertrain extention goes, what is the normal warranty on it? a year or two less?
Regardless, I own a Camry. Lucky me. I rock. Mazda rocks. I'm on my way. Figure 8s in the desert soon to come. hehe.
Ok seriously, so I THOUGHT I had figured out what a rear finisher was, but, from your post it's now clear that I STILL don't know what the heck that thing is!
please explain.
I'm sure if you asked Dirk Diggler he would give you another answer.
All is not bad. I'm approaching 1000 miles and decided to push the car more today. I've exceeded 5000 RPMs and really felt the power as I accelerated. I topped out over 100 mph too! This was done on a straight deserted country road with great visibility, so don't worry about me running over other people. The engine sounds great when being pushed. This car is definately getting better with the added miles. I now use the manual mode in the city and regular automatic in the country. The stop and go acceleration seems better in the manual mode. On the open road the computer does a better job of shifting. Anyway, this is hands down the best car value I've ever owned or seen.
Good job Mazda:) Bad job dealership
A mention of the evaluation survey should be all you need to get justice. The dealers really consider those important.
I've been holding on to mine until I get my MP3 player and mirror installed and the transaction is "complete." I've been very, very pleased with my dealer, but I don't want to report perfection till everything I've paid for is installed satisfactorily.
(And when my MP3 player goes in, I want my CD player back!)
You'll be surprised how quickly you are catered to by any retailer if you act like a pissed off #@*hole especially when you have a legitimate beef.
One time with my MX-6 they quoted me $1000 for a repair on an exhaust stud about 500 miles after the warranty expired. They wouldn't budge and I was a poor student. After a few well placed calls to head office with threats of law suits(total B.S. I was a 21 year old shmuck) due to being a defect, a few days later they fixed it free of cost just to shut me up. Funny thing is it was misdiagnosed and it turned out to be a ripped hose or something, a very minor repair. So I ended up getting both done for free although 1 wasn't necessary but that's beside the point. Carmakers make enough money off you so don't get screwed + I find it fun to bust their chops a bit.
Thanks in advance.
Mazda sales were down this month but 6 sales were way up. Nobody buying the rest of the Mazda line-up or the reccesion and war is really hurting car sales?
My dealer spent a LOT of time telling me how important the survey was, and Mazda customer service has always been pretty prompt.
No way would I let them keep that grille. You paid for it. It's yours.
It's about the size of a normal tape deck hole and it's just got a silver cover over it.
I imagine when you order the Mp3, they just remove that cover and slip in the new player.
Now, that's on my BOSE system. I don't know what the standard stereo layout is like. Similar, I believe.