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I talked to an independent air condition shop, and they said that in recirculate mode, you should be able to get the temperature into the high 30s coming out of the vent, so the 42 my car achieved sounds high. I'm going to have the dealership do a full test of the system to make certain it's working perfectly, and see if that makes any difference. But the independent shop did say that it was not unusual with newer models to have to use the recirculate mode frequently. For what it is worth, they also said that Honda and Toyota had the coldest A/C systems in general. I never knew there was any difference between manufacturers.
The review did not come up with the address you posted, by the way.
Inboxnews, Don't buy something @ costco, with the extras when you can go to the Mazda dealer and get what you want. What does costco offer that a dealer can not? better financing? always shop around.
Nevertheless, what an awesome vehicle. The instrument cluster is the coolest thing I've ever seen (esp at night), high tech, but not arcade like. Mazda did just a tremendous job. The only mistake is putting in a lowpriced entry-level version. The low end price invites comparisons to the CRV and Rav 4, but IMO there is no comparison. The Murano is comparable, but the CX-7 has the styling flair and "wow" factor of the FX-35. Truth is that one of the most comparable vehicles is the Subaru Tribeca -- which gives Subaru its first vehicle in the premium vehicle catagory. BUT, when you put in all the options in an AWD GT with NAV (comparble to a Std. Subi w/ Nav), its less than a $2000 differential in real dollars --more than explained by the Subi's larger size. No doubt, the top of the line Mazda should positioned as a premium SUV crossover, and at 33K and change (what I paid), it easily could be.
After going through the hassle of dealing with the dealerships INSIDE the city limits of Houston, I was actually able to get my CX-7 on the S Plan!
Two dealerships were actually willing to do the S Plan, both on the outside of town, and the dealer I bought from actually did a dealer trade from a dealer who REFUSED to do a plan on a vehicle that was on their lot! {pre-orders only, they said...}
My MSRP was $31,035... my purchase price was $29,008 {invoice} plus TTL.
Just one of the benefits of working for a company that buys a lot of Fords!
It may take a little bit of effort but if you ask for the General Manager or the Salesmanager and not the regular staff, you MIGHT be able to get a deal.
For the guy who's getting hosed by the dealers in California; order one with the options just the way you want it or go out of town and buy one, but don't stand for this $3,000 upgrade on wheels, that's insane...
Like P.T. Barnum said "There's a sucker born every minute."
Don't be one... For all of our sakes!
I faxed this letter with an easy to fill out table that listed all that stuff so they could just jot down some numbers and comments and fax it back.
I ended up with an AWD GT w/Nav for invoice. I had to drive 100 miles to get it, but it was worth it. At closing, the finance guy wanted to tack on some charges, but since they didn't appear in the quote I got back, they were waived.
I did this awhile ago, before dealers had any CX-7s on their lots. Now that they do and have an idea how they're selling and how fast (or slow) they're trickling in, it might not help as much.
Best of luck!
BTW, What is the "S Plan"?
Vince.
I used to qualify for it when I was an employee of a company partnered with Ford for supply chain management.
I think it's basically invoice plus a markup that varies per vehicle, but ends up being like a few hundred dollars.
Vince.
I'd say if you can get a discount right now, you did well.
-juice
Thanks in advance.
The Tribeca does have a more advanced AWD system, but, all the road tests so far on the CX-7 have showed the CX-7 to have supreme handling and braking. The CX-7 is more sporty as well.
If you wanted to go the 3rd row route, you may want to wait until the CX-9 comes out.
Actually, it is the dealers discresion whether to accept S Plan. They do not have to.
MPG -- The MPG on the CX-7 started off around 15 mpg, second tank of gas got about 18 mpg, third tank 22 mpg, and with this last tank, around 25 mpg. That is with 93 octane BP. Think its a combination of breaking the car in, and getting a handle on driving it without accelerating too quickly.
Auto Lock -- My CX-7 (Sport) auto locks, seems to be the same auto lock feature that was on the Mazda 6s. I probably should read the manual about it. It seems with the car (off), if you unlock, but don't start the ignition, the doors will relock within a few minutes.
A/C -- No trick to the A/C it runs cold. On a really warm (90F+) day, fan on 4, A/C on, draw air from the outside, then after a few minutes, circulate the air inside (button).
Discounts -- Don't pay MSRP, when I got my CX-7 dealers barely had the fully loaded AWD Grand Touring, nobody had the FWD/AWD Sport. Some dealers told me "we won't budge from MSRP", some wanted me to "bid" on the model they had, etc. I did some reading, test drove one, and came up with a list of "issues" with the CX-7. These issues are :
a) Rear Bumper potentially weak (rated for the bare minimum)
b) Poor gas milage (seems to be a symptom in the first 800 miles)
c) Speedometer has no 5 mph markings, very hard to keep it at 55 accurately
d) Possible a/c issues
e) Requires very expensive 91 octane (or higher) gasoline
Armed with dealer invoice and Mazda's hold back rate on MSRP. I fired off some emails. Dealers will deal if you reference the above issues, you know the invoice, and if you know what other dealers have vehicles in stock. I had to drive about 150 miles to get mine, but I got the thing for a little over invoice, 10/100000 warranty, and after tax and title, the entire thing was still under the MSRP at another dealer.
The dealer "demand" thing is a ploy, nothing more. After I bought the CX-7, I had 6 dealers all leave me voicemail (at least twice a day), each voicemail offering better deals. I ended up passing two of them along to some friends who wanted a CX-7 after seeing mine. The dealer i originally test drove the CX-7 at, still has that CX-7, been 2 weeks and its still not sold.
Dealers have these things, just shop around.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
It's been happening a fair amount.
On price, I disagree somewhat. Yes, deals can be had, but you need to wait or work at it. I live in NJ and wanted to make the purchase on Saturday. Checked inventory at 5 dealerships. Only 2 had the loaded GT and each had only one. The inventories showing at other dealerships were sold already. When I went to the dealership, I was armed with everything, but they weren't going to give me a "deal" that day. I got about $500 off sticker, and frankly felt lucky. If I walked and the vehicle didn't sell, I might have gotten a call, but I didn't want to wait. Incidently, another guy approached me while my vehicle was being cleaned, and said he would have bought it if I didn't.
Please, no names of individual salespeople when you post about your dealer experiences (that helps reduce shill posts). Thanks,
Steve, Host
Nowhere is written that the dealership HAS to accept the S Plan. It's
totally up to the participating dealers. In my case the dealerships in
Houston flat out refused to do the S Plan until they've had the units
for roughly three to four months, OR if you preordered an incoming
vehicle with a six week window minimum!
All that being said I tip my hat to the good people
of Gullo Mazda in Conroe, TX for going above and beyond to get me the
CX-7 I really wanted.
By the by; Copper Red Mica GT w/ Tech Package & Black Interior. :shades: I did
get Sirius and the Homelink mirror in Aftermarket, no discounts on that
though...
For the record: S Plan is INVOICE, no mark ups, but you DO have to pay
the documentation fees {$50}.
I'm only saying this because I want as many educated buyers out there
as we can get, and maybe they'll share whatever tips they get for others
as well.
Good luck Gang!!!
CX7 is closer to the Forester XT, which is also a 4 cylinder turbo and more compact.
-juice
Tribeca - 108.2" wheelbase, 189.8" length, 73.9" width
CX-7 - 108.3" wheelbase, 184" length, 73.7" width
CX-9 - 113.2" wheelbase, 199.7" length, 76.2" width
Actually, looking at the numbers, the CX-9 seems very big.
Forester - 99.4" wheelbase, 176.6" length, 68.1" width.
Really a very small vehicle, but very boxy so it has good usable space.
S Plan is dead invoice, no mark up. Tax,title, DMV, dealer fees extra.
Ford vehicle umbrella, and various companies that have a discount deal worked out with Ford Mo Co. We do a lot of S Plan deals from people with IBM, IBM is quite prevelant in my area.
Vince.
Mazda chose style over space, which is probably OK for the target market.
-juice
Vince.
From my perspective, I think the turbo Forester is the closer competitor for the CX-7. The Mazda has a larger back seat, and the Soob is much faster, but they are otherwise quite similar (cargo, price, equipment, etc.).
What would happen if the CX-7 ran on regular? Decreased performance? Damage to the engine?
It'd be interesting if Mazda engineers could chime in and participate in the response.
Thanks, Vince.
The Forester is rather narrow, fitting 3 in the back is tough, with not much leg room.
I have not put 3 people in the back of the CX-7 yet, I suppose I should try and see how that goes.
Also, look at someone sitting in the CX-7, and you will see that the driver is seated almost in the middle of the vehicle. Mazda definalty went for driving dynamics and sports car like look. I would say it fits their overall theme of how they think vehicles should be. I happen to like it.
Hand wash, don't let soap dry on the surfaces, rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean terry towel.
Apply a good quality wax which has no cleaners. Never use wax with abrasives.
Then use a good polish. On dark colors and black avoid swirls when polishing and waxing. See the Protegé Forum for more detail.
To make cleaning disc brake dust off the alloys easier apply a coat of wax as soon as possible, before it starts to build up. I didn't look at the alloys closely -- some wheels have a clear coat finish so you don't want the disc dust to build up and have to scrub to remove it.
fowler3
What would happen if the CX-7 ran on regular? Decreased performance? Damage to the engine?
I hope this answers your question. I got this straight from Mazda's "quick tips" manual from the CX-7.
"If 91 octane fuel is not available, fuel as low as 87 octane can be used temporarily for emergency purposes, use of lower then 91 octane can decrease performance and deteriorate shift quality, refueling vehicle with correct octane fuel a couple of times will restore vehicle performance and shift quality"
I take this as no long term damage will be done with use of a lower grade fuel.
What would be a good time for the paint to "dry thoroughly deep down"? This car is made in Japan, and takes 2 months to get here once it rolls off the factory line. I would think 2 months to let paint cure is long enough.
Find a shady place to apply wax.
fowler3
fowler3
They're only available on the Grand Touring model, which I ordered.
How are these different than halogen lamps? I've never heard of them and I don't think I've seen any in use.
Vince.
In the old days before acrilic paint when BMW used laquer I ruined the finish on my beemer running it through a car wash with brushes. It came out the other end covered with spiderweb scratches. And on silver it looked terrible. Regret it to this day.
Also, for those who buy the Touring model with the almost-white leather -- be sure to clean the back seat often. The reason is, if you have the moonroof open often it acts as an airscoup and road grime (oily asphalt dust) kicked up by cars in front of you will go right on to the back seat. Then when passengers sit back there they get it on their clothes and also IN the leather. I learned this the hardway too.
fowler3
fowler3
I would never take a bike through a car wash in the first place!
Beemer = bike
Bimmer = car :shades:
But, you're right about contact car washes. Unfortunately high pressure hoses are not enough. They'll get the first layer of dust off, but that's about it. Bring your own bucket and clean rags. Then use their hoses for wetting and rinsing.
fowler3
The thing is, there's a backlog on the darn things, and I'm waiting now til the 30th for arrival time, and another FIVE days for a day off to get it installed! :mad:
Don't expect too low a price for a new car in demand.
You want the "Out the Door Price", not PLUS doc fees PLUS TTI, etc. I see people posting here. Negotiate the total price. And definately not dealer installed options LATER. Add those to the total cost and include them in the financing. Car loan interest is lower than buying an option later with a credit card.
If you get a discount offer be SURE it is on the Bill of Sale, take the time to read it BEFORE signing it. Often, those "discounts" mysteriously disappear on paper as if they were written in a special ink that evaporates.
There are two separate deals going on: You are buying a car and the dealer is buying a car -- your old model. Keep them separate. Don't be in a hurry, you have the rest of your life to drive the new car.
Determine what the dealer will sell the new car for, THEN negotiate the amount for your car. Be sure you are not taxed twice on your car. You paid the tax on it when you bought it and it should be shown on the Bill of Sale as a deducted amount from the tax on the new car. The price of your car deducted from the new car's price, then the new car's tax is figured.
Negotiate the doc fee. Does it really cost $300 for the lady upstairs to type up the bill of sale? Don't buy undercoating, paint protectant, and other intangible vaporware. If a dealer says you HAVE TO take a certain package or he won't sell the car -- WALK OUT. You are a customer NOT a victom! Some dealers don't know the difference.
And check the "hold back" percentage dealers get from the factory. If you are paying close to MSRP talk down those perks. They are going to make it back in the service department over the next three years.
fowler3
I ordered by CX7, due in around 6/28. Pre-ordered SIRIUS before the car left Japan...$400.00. That's why I'm asking the question. $700.00 is pretty steep.
Vince.