By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Want some Enron to go along with that? :-)
All I simply want is:
Mazda i or s:
1)ABS, side airbags with curtains, moonroof, premium pkg., BOSE, mudguards and wheel locks.
2) Add Leather and Comfort pkg.
Currently I can get the 6s with all of the options from the second one, minus the BOSE audio and side airbags. The price is around $23.8K, which isn't bad, but I shouldn't have to compromise on the side airbags at all.
Also Audia8q,
If ABS isn't as important, why is it standard on the V6?
On one hand, people shouldn't be shooting the messenger here. It's not a Mazda salesman's fault that the Mazda company chose to configure options stupidly. The salesman is only providing information as an intermediary in order to help people out.
However, on the other hand, it's acceptable for potential customers to complain about the facts of the information. A salesman should not take it personally if people are unhappy with the pricing information that was passed down from the corporate marketing folks.
In a nutshell, what I mean is that people should be grateful for receiving the information, but they don't have to like what it says.
-Andrew L
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Its just a testament to how much emotion this new car has already evoked among enthusiasts and car shoppers alike!
Thanks for all the info maltb and audia8q! We appreciate it, even though we don't like it too much. On second thought, for $5000 US, I too would do w/our ABS.
Dinu
Of course it is not Rich's fault, and those of you who are contacting Mazda are doing the right thing, the only thing that can be productive.
My suggestion to all is to declare the emotion of today an anomaly, recognize that Rich has always been very helpful around the Town Hall, recognize that most of you are terrific Town Hall members who also are dedicated car enthusisasts, entitled to your opinions and wishes and who are pursuing the proper avenues with your concerns.
IOW, lets let bygones be bygones and get on the same page with each other.
Deal?
I'm lucky that I found an option group that I like. But hopefully audia8q can interpret the griping about the restrictive option packages as exasperation from a group of people who are really excited about the car and have been patient a really long time waiting for it to become available. Maybe they deferred a car purchase they otherwise would have made, and are understandably disappointed that it might now work out after all. Of course, there's a lot more of us who like to discuss buying a car in the abstract than are out there giving the money to our local dealer.
I'm not thriled with the option packages or the glitches on the Mazda6 website myself. But as some other posts have mentioned, at least Mazda will be bringing out the 5-dr hatch--not as an odd SUV hybrid, not as an econobox, but as a sporty sedan that can hold 4-5 adults comfortably. Now that Saab has left that market, what other car manufacturer has had the guts to do that in the US market?
One of my favorite rules to live by is "it seemed like a good idea at the time". An mazda does have to sell as many cars as possible, and make a profit, and probably knows they will lose a few sales along the way.
Also, the ABS/SAB packaging is related to the wiring and electronics in the car. SAB also requires unique seats, which is one reason it might require leather. Not that you can't do them with or without different other options (Bose, etc.), it just requires more configuarations and different parts.
Again, everything is a trade off, but it would be nice to get a 4 cyl car with tha safety gear and not much else, but traditionally the 4 cyl 5 speed car is the value leader or enthousiast car, without much middle ground.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Personally, I waited for the launch of the 6 when I heard about it, even though I was looking at the Altima, and was truly dissapointed in seeing the option combos on the 6. I can probably get exactly what I want on the Altima, so it will be a tough decision whether to wait for Mazda to change the combos, or just go get the Altima. Oh well, "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might get what you need".
Also, some people are suggesting that the prices will soon drop and we should all just wait for things to settle down. I understand this, but being new to the car buying population, doesn't that affect possible resale value? I mean, if it drops a few thousand in the first year, then how much will it drop in future years?
So chill out and start calling Mazda NA.
cheers
Anyway, that said, I am intelligent(& qualified) enough to understand what is going on in Mazda HQ and why they are making such pricing decisions. The fact is that they are playing it safe and following the beaten path. The only problem is that nobody is going to give a hoot to a car that is no different to the average buyer...the average buyer DOES NOT CARE about ZOOM ZOOM. All he cares about is value.
To the average buyer, a car is good if:
1. It is good looking
2. Drives quitely (low noise)
3. Soaks bump with no feel
4. Reliability History
5. Value
the 6 satisifies only 1 criteria out of 4.
No. 5 maybe a stretch.
Best example that this is true is the Mazda Protege. C&D loves it. But what are the sales figures? Any better than previous models? Hardly.
go figure.
On the one hand, their spec sheets and web site displays only two trim levels and a bunch of options, as if they were available individually.
On the other hand, the requirements on option prerequisites are extremely stringent. It's only confusing to the consumer who has to understand by himself the unwritten ties and prerequisites.
If Mazda USA is going to be that restrictive about packaging, it would save our southern friends a lot of pain if Mazda simply removed all the "tied together options" and offered trim levels like Honda's LX, EX, etc with fewer REAL stand-alone options instead.
Maybe they are planning to release the restrictions on option purchase after they've made their money with the early buyers and after the break-in period at the factory.
By the way, that "you have to buy the leather to get anything else" is either a software bug or a BIG mistake.
Too bad, the 6 could have been a contender ...
The sad thing is that 6 sales numbers will suffer because of this misguided marketing strategy, but Mazda/Ford won't know why. Buyers will just walk away and no one will know they were even there. Kind of reminds you of the 626, doesn't it? Then they'll blame it on the economy, or the prices, the Camry/Accord, or the Iraqis. haha
Keep in mind that Canada is a small market and that built to order cars are not the norm around here.
Still, I think our trim levels make more sense than what's currently available in the US.
Here are the available trim levels for those interested. This is unofficial and tentative pricing (in CAD currency) that was floated by Mazda Canada in order to get feedback. Actual offerings may vary:
- I4 GS MT 24 295$
- I4 GS MT + Sport Group 25 195$
- I4 GS AT 25 495$
- I4 GS AT + Sport Group 26 395$
All models below this line include the Sport Group options standard. Read below to know what the Sport Group is (It is NOT equivalent to US Sport Package).
- I4 GT MT 28 195$
- I4 GT MT + GFX 30 460$
- I4 GT AT 29 395$
- I4 GT AT + GFX 31 660$
- V6 GS MT 27 995$
- V6 GS MT + GFX 30 260$
- V6 GS AT 29 295$
- V6 GS AT + GFX 31 560$
- V6 GT MT 31 995$
- V6 GT MT + GFX 32 760$
- V6 GT AT 33 295$
- V6 GT AT + GFX 34 060$
- Base models (GS) are the same as in the US but get 16 inch alloys, ABS+EBD, heated side mirrors, we do not get wheel mounted audio/cruise controls.
- Sport Group gets 17in wheels, fog lamps, steering mounted radio/cruise controls, power driver seat, leather on the steering, handbrake and shifter
- GFX is similar to the US's sport package.
- GT gets auto climate control, leather, heated seats, the homelink remote, alarm system, side airbags and curtain airbags.
- Bose sound system and Moonroof ARE stand-alone options but are standard on V6 GT.
- V6 GS gets side airbags and curtain airbags standard. (Got to protect those speed freaks!)
All things considered, this is pretty decent packaging.
I think that if Mazda USA were to adopt Mazda Canada's trim levels, most of the complaints we have heard in this forum today would be solved. (Ok, side airbags and leather may still be issues)
Maybe this explains why Mazda is much more successful in Canada (The PRO is the best selling car in my home province).
Can I buy a car up there and bring it to the US?
You have to add 850$ (ballpark figure here) for transportation and 15% for taxes.
Second, there are subtle differences between US and canadian cars. Our cars are fully metric (speedo, gas consumption, etc.) though there are smaller MPH markings on the speedo and it's not hard to get used to metric units.
Third, and most importantly, I suspect that because cars are generally priced lower in Canada, the US government puts up barriers to "artisanal car importation". It may take the form of a tax, ban or something. You should consult the appropriate governemental agencies.
Other than that, canadian dealers will be happy to do business with you as long as you can wait for the canadian release date (January 2003).
There will be some restrictions but they will be reasonable. For example, you will have to get the comfort package to get the sport package.
That's according to a dealer and a reply from MNAO to a poster's complaint.
That is EXACTLY what I was told ten years ago. Put down a deposit. Waited six MONTHS. Finally had to threaten to sue dealer before it was refunded (each time it was, just give us another two weeks...) No doubt dealers will take orders for cars that are not packaged as on the website. Actually GETTING the car may be a whole 'nother ball of wax.
You will have to forgive me, but I doubt that Mazda MARKETING knows what the factory can or can't build. The marketing people assured me way back in 1992 that I didn't have to get a sunroof to get ABS on a 626. They were quite certain. They also ended up being quite wrong.
A lot can happen in ten years. I hope the factory is building combinations not indicated by the website. But, it would not surprise me if they aren't. This is EXACTLY what Toyota does. and with them, it is even worse. Packages vary by geographic region! And you CANNOT get another region's car delivered to your dealer by the factory, though you can do a dealer trade or go buy it yourself.
As for the recent upset here, Mazda AND dealers need to understand customers have other choices besides just buy it or NOT. There ARE other companies. There ARE other cars. Seems to me most customers have been choosing those OTHER cars. Mazda has a great chance to change that. If this packaging snafu is a real impediment to their doing that, you would think they would be happy with feedback from ardent fans. If denial (such as we saw from our dealer friend here)is their reaction, they shouldn't be surprised when would-be customers buy other brands. Of course, both Mazda and the dealers will doubtless blame other factors if that happens.
I want the 6 to succeed. I would like to buy one. But I am NOT living with leather or a sunroof in Mazda's or anyone else's car. Nor am I going to forego side airbags. Our dealer friend's nearly flippant remarks that I would not buy something else (I even said I would live longer with an old car first) are NOT accurate. I CAN buy any car I want, within reason. I can also keep the car I have going a bit longer. It seems that Mazda doesn't seem to understand that.
From the pictures, the leather looks crappy...more vinyl than leather. Huh...my 800cc suzuki came with vinyl seats and cost me only $2000.00
Even Mercedes has to cut prices in order to increase it's sales volume as after Lexus and Acura started biting its territory away.
What does Mazda NA think of itself.
Making a good product is only 25% of the work.
If you don't have a customer for it, you product is no good.
That is the fundamental of Business.
Send your comments to musa@mazdausa.com, and let them know exactly what you think. If they get enough emails maybe it will get their attention. Of course, if you actually like their packaging, you could tell them that, too. haha
Again, that email address is musa@mazdausa.com, in case you missed it.
I totally agree with you: I took my anger out on Rich because he defended Mazda, when he could have just shrugged and said "I'll pass along your opinion to Mazda representatives when I speak to them." Personally, I'm just really disappointed about the options packaging. I don't know if Mazda is right or wrong from a marketing point of view. I despise the music industry, but that doesn't mean they would make more money by doing things differently.
The theory that side airbags are only available on leather seats makes a lot of sense. Subaru does things the same way, I think. Is that consistent with all the US and Canadian package options on the 6?
All I know is that if I have to pay for both the premium package and the sports package, I'm going to make sure that they deliver that extra set of alloy wheels that I paid for.
Don't give up hope. Changes are coming.
Stafford
I am currently researching your question with our Product Planning department. I will e-mail you again once I have an update for you. I do apologize for this delay, and appreciate your continued patience.
Although that may mean nothing - it does sound a bit canned. So go ahead and write in as well, people - the more people write and object about the package options, the higher the chance they'll do something about it.
I just want 6s-MT/cloth/SAB, why is that so difficult? I CAN get that on the Altima 3.5SE (and 2.5S for that matter), which is what I will be getting if Mazda doesn't change things.
ashutoshsm - I got the exact same reply, word for word. Maybe after they wade through hundreds (maybe thousands) of emails that all say basically the same thing, they'll start thinking something went wrong in their planning.
Now, let's see, where did I put that Altima brochure? haha
Effective today.....
All 2003 Mazda's get a 4 year / 50K bumper to bumper warranty!!!!
If you already purchased a 2003 you will get the warranty also
zoom~zoom
Rich
I can't find any confirmation on the mazda website or elsewhere, though - but if accurate, this is awesome news!
Also the upgraded cloth seats to go along with the leather and, if you're getting the 6s, the second set of dual exausts :-)
"All 2003 Mazda's get a 4 year / 50K bumper to bumper warranty!!!!"
This has been on the Mazda web site for a while.
It's a big deal to most people. The average person puts on about 12K-15K miles a year. Your annual mileage is not normal.
A while as in a day or two?
I know I like the Accord leather....very nice.
The Protege was the highest rated car from Consumer Reports for at least 2 years. The 6 looks like a good candidate to beat the Camcords and Passat in the CR sweepstakes. If only Mazda NA Marketing was/is up to the job!
Also the upgraded cloth seats to go along with the leather and, if you're getting the 6s, the second set of dual exausts :-)
Normally, when a manufacturer has a step-ladder option package that cancels out one thing and replaces it with another (in this case 16" wheels with 17" wheels) you are paying the ADDITIONAL costs (and profits) of the larger wheels. I know this isn't universal, but most lower profile tires are more expensive than standard tires, and alot of 17" rims are a bit more expensive too.
If they have added any additional materials, those costs are a part of it.
Same theory goes for stereo upgrades. You aren't paying $550 dollars for the Bose upgrade, you are paying $550 PLUS any money that originally is in the cost of the car related to the stereo. They don't upgrade the speakers and then give you the other pair...they won't upgrade your wheels and tires and give you the other pair either.
Now, if you are adding a dealer option, the reverse is normally true. Though I am not 100% on this...but when my mother upgraded to alloy wheels on her Forester at the dealer (they didn't come on her package choice) they charged her for replacement, and then gave her the four steel wheels as well.
Dig a little deeper into what the extra costs could be, chances are, you are getting more expensive wheels and tires, and maybe other items. I don't know, I didn't look that close at the packages yet.
I guess one of the reasons that Mazda (and others) go so far with option package limitations on manuals is that they won't sell as many, so they have less variations to try and supply to the dealer.
Let's see it from their side for a minute.
You are manufacturing 50,000 vehicles. Best estimates are that 20% or 10,000 vehicles should be manuals. Out of the 10,000 vehicles with manuals, you have to supply 500 dealers with color options and package options, and try to supply fair choice to the consumers who don't and won't wait 6 weeks for a custom job. So, divide 10k by 12, then by 500, then figure out how many colors, divide again, then ask yourself, if I am only able to ship 5 to 10 cars of one color, with manuals, to a dealer a month, do I want to have 5 possible package options, or 20?
Now, Mazda could offer a custom order like Mercedes does...and in so doing, they could offer custom color applications and package combinations, if, like MB, they charged an additional $1000 custom order fee. That seems reasonable and fair...but an awful lot of work, and money, for most people buying $20-25k cars. Maybe that is why most of them don't...and more and more manufacturers are moving to offering a Honda packaging product, with three levels (all options standards depending on level) and a few custom dealer options.
With the 6, I don't see their strategy as bad...just most of the fans here are getting stuck in the cracks that it leaves open...sorry to say. Maybe Mazda will consider offering their SAB and ABS as separate options...I can see a great argument for asking them to separate safety features from the luxury options list...but that is the only real argument against it, that to get SAB, you HAVE to get either an auto, or spend thousands on luxury items you would otherwise not choose to buy.
I don't think you should have to leverage safety features that way.
Hopefully, they will change their minds.
In this mazda6 thread, we seem to be taking a different angle. Instead of shopping in Canada to get a better price, people are after more palatable option packages.
My big complaint is that you can't get a 6s-MT with cloth and the SAB pkg at all. You CAN get the 6s-AT with cloth and the SAB pkg if you don't mind paying for the Bose and Sport pkg (which I don't mind). Simply stated, the SAB pkg is NOT tied to leather seats if you want the AT, but it IS if you want the MT. Sorry, I won't buy a car with leather seats even if they're free.
In other words, they want to punish dealers who do this so they can sell for much cheaper than the Mazda dealer across town, but don't want to punish individual owners who do it through legitamate means, or maybe don't even realize that they bought a grey market car (as is often the case). That's respectable. Some other manufacturers are not so kind.