Did you recently rush to buy a new vehicle before tariff-related price hikes? A reporter is looking to speak with shoppers who felt pressure to act quickly due to expected cost increases; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com for more details by 4/24.
"Other dealer XYZ just got in a shipment of new CX-7s, they're about 45 minutes further away, but they do have in stock but with some extra options I don't need
Be careful with that advise, smart dealers will ask you to tell them EXACTLY what car it was, and then look on the dealer system, and see if you are telling the truth. We dealers know what all of our neighboring dealers have in inventory. You don't wanna get caught in a lie, does not suit well for you.
When I wanted to sell my '98 Honda Odyssey in 2001 I ran an ad in the newspaper ($60) and not one person called in a week. Then I posted an ad on AutoTrader.com with photos ($35 until it sells), e-mails and phone calls started immediately. I sold it in a week and got $500 more than I had expected to get. Months later people called about the Ody.
The best way to buy a new car is a straight sale, no trade. Much less financial figuring.
I just bought the CX-7 GT AWD with the technology and preferred packages, remote start, satillite radio and all fees and taxes included for $31800. I think this is a great deal for this vehicle which is being sold for MSRP, it did take an afternoon of negotiating to get this deal but I think it worked out well.
So for those who are working with dealers who won't budge, my recommendation would be to have dealers compete for your business. I actually had one dealer on the phone while I was at another dealership.
Please visit the Mazda CX-7: MPG-Real World Numbers discussion and report on your gas mileage. (Tscull - I moved your mpg question over there to help seed the discussion).
I've been doing a search for a new car for a while now and have decided on purchasing the CX-7 GT AWD. The dealers in my area (bay area, CA), have a pretty nice inventory of these vehicles, but I haven't been able to find a single one in electric blue. I've expanded my search out to a 150 mile radius but still don't have any luck. Has anyone heard of anything in terms of production problems or delay in this color? BTW, the local dealership here has four CX-7's now, none of which have sold in the last three weeks. I would go for the black one but it's overly loaded for my needs,(Equipped with sirius, towing package, not to mention I live off of a dusty dirt road. Hopefully when I do find the electric blue, the dealerships will be more willing to come off of MSRP. Then again, since I'm having such a hard time finding this color, it may be difficult.
I intially wanted the Electric Blue when I saw it in the brochure. But when I saw it in the Acc. catalog... man, did I change my mind! I've seen the blue on a sport, and I'm not too impressed; waaaay too loud for me!
I settled for the Copper Red, and it dances like fire in the mid day sun, especially with curves along the front fender. If blue is your taste... wait for it; this car is far too nice not to have what you really want in color or options!
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I paid 29K and change (taxes and $500 gap incld) for the base model. I don't think I was robbed, but I feel I did pay more than I should have.
I was wondering what mod's might be available for the CX-7? Since it has the basically the same engine as the Speed6 I thought maybe there might be ECU, turbo, air intake, and exhaust type upgrades available. I'd like to drop mine an inch or two, add some nice wheels/tires, and most of all add 100 hp+ by next year. Any info would be appreciated.
Does anyone have a picture of the Electric Blue, other than the brochure. I can't see the accessory catalogue on the website. How 'bout a real picture of someone's vehicle ?
They did however add a $1,995 upcharge for a paint and dash protectant
That seems a bit steep. What is the name of the company that is guaranteeing the paint and dash protection? Did you sign any guarantee for the paint and dash as well?
I've already got a chip on my Black Cherry Mica CX-7. Anyone know if they have touch up paint available? Since the color is so much darker than it was on the 6, I'd be worried I'd be getting the wrong color if I just called parts or something.
I just got CX-7 GT AWD. But there is no label on back. How do I know my car is AWD? Does anyone know about this. I didn't have chance to drive FWD CX-7. Is there any difference between AWD and FWD in person nowmal driving?
The difference between FWD and AWD as Mazda uses the term, AWD is part-time. If the front wheels lose traction or start to slip the on-board computer sends a signal and AWD kicks in and sends 50% of the power to the back wheels. It is quicker than a driver can do on his own. Otherwise, it is FWD most of the time. AWD in this usage is NOT meant for off-roading, it's to prevent the CX-7 from skidding and/or hydroplaning on wet surfaces.
There is no difference in driving FWD only and FWD with part-time AWD. It should feel exactly the same.
You will read online road tests where the drivers say they were able to take curves faster in the CX-7 than if they had been driving a regular SUV -- because of the AWD.
Is this your first FWD vehicle? If so, going around a sharp curve requires a little different approach than RWD.
Some on here will argue about it, but I learned from Audi reps over 30 years ago. With FWD on sharp curves, the driver should hold the throttle (hold what he has and not let up), halfway through the curve give it more gas and let the front wheels PULL the vehicle through it.
With RWD we get use to slowing and easing off the throttle entering a curve then pressing the throttle so the rear wheels push the car through it.
Start out slow and get the feel of it. Keep to the break-in schedule: no fast starts, no sudden braking, vary your speeds so the rings will seat properly. Don't hold a steady rpm or speed for a long period of time. The 2.3 likes to rev but don't rev it too high at first, the engine is tight.
About fuel economy: new cars do not get their best mileage until you have at least 5000 miles on them. They are pretty much broken in by then and the on-board computer has made changes based on your driving style, which will give you a better idea of your average mpg.
Best way to test is to use the same gas brand from the same pump at the same gas station. Pumps vary. Set it to fill and cut-off automatically each time. Write down the mileage and gallons before leaving the pump. Do this several times and average.
I just got CX-7 GT AWD. But there is no label on back. How do I know my car is AWD?
1. The window sticker should list it in the upper left Model, the upper middle ENGINE/MECHANICAL FEATURES, and middle right State Of the Art Control Systems
2. When you turn the ignition on, several little symbols on the dashboard illuminate for a second or two while they go through their system checks. The AWD system is one of these, so every time you start the car, you should see
4WD
on the dash for a sec or to, then it should disappear.
I just bought my CX-7 yesterday. They had just got the one I wanted off the truck pretty much so I did not get a chance to bring it home yet. Will do so on Monday.
I got a: GT FWD Tech Package and Preferred Package with the Extended Warranty, MOC protection and the Lo Jack. Copper Red Mica with black leather interior. Brought it all home for 35000 (to include the protection options which came out ot be another 2700). I ended up getting it for 800 over invoice, they would not budge because of the popularity with the copper red mica and the fact that no one had driven it, and .. basically.. i tried to get lower I tried for 32400 out the door but htey have it to me for 32660 out the door not including the three protection options. My wife and I are very happy with it and cannot wait for Monday so I can pick it up!!!
If you're in an area that has tons of heavy rain/ mud or snow, then opt for the AWD. If you're used to the weather that we have here in Texas, which is basically heat with VERY LITTLE snow, go for the FWD, the AWD would almost be a feature you'd never get the benefits of.
Either way you're going to enjoy the CX-7!
As far as roll-over potential, with the Electronic Stability Control standard on the CX-7; rollover has almost been eliminated, but anything is still possible, and the CX-7 keeps you in control. But remember; this is NOT an off-road vehicle, and should never be confused with one!
Congratulations to the new owners of the Mazda CX-7. It sounds like you're going to enjoy your car. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what kind of maintenance will be involved, specifically oil/filter changes with the Turbo 4-cylinder.
Unfortunately I didn't have chance to see window sticker. The dealer detached sticker already.
I read the manual too and user can see '4WD' warning sign when start ignition or has problem with 4WD. Are AWD and FWD model installed different dashboard? And, FWD owner cannot see '4WD' symbol when start ignition on FWD model?
In your area of the world; I would opt for the AWD. You'll feel a lot safer, and its better to have it and hardly need it, than to need it and not have it for a few dollars more.
hmmmm? Judging from the nature of your questions and responses, I get the feeling that you feel like you've been conned or the dealer pulled a quick one on you?
If you're really concerned, why not take the car to an independent mechanic and have him confirm the presence of the AWD. He's a professional and would have no reason not to give you an honest answer.
I got mine Friday and I'm ecstatic! I absolutely love it! Mine's the Copper Red with Sand Leather, Tech Package, Sirius radio, Autodim Mirror, front/rear splash guards. My previous SUV was a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, their top-of-line model - which I had an after-market NAV system and XM Commander installed. It too, had mediocre MPG, so when I upgraded to the CX-7, MPG wasn't a concern. I never had any problems with Santa Fe and it too was very fast, but Hyundai doesn't hold a candle to the CX7!
I paid MSRP: 28,000 for the basic vehicle, 4,005 for the Tech Package, 175 for the autodim mirror, 430 for Sirius, and 95 for the splash guards and 560 for delivery, processing, and handling fees. 33,265 out the door. Was able to get financing for 4.4%
The sound system is AWESOME (also love how tightly integrated the NAV system is with the Sirius), the fit/finish is superior, the acceleration is FAST, and it hugs the road. It was 93 degrees yesterday and the A/C proved capable of cooling the car quickly. I also think the Auto-Lock feature is the neatest thing since sliced cheese!
Mazda sold 1,349 CX-7's for the month of June. Not bad considering middle America did not receive them until mid month, and many dealers still do not have any.
Also, Mazda got a little more aggressive on the lease for the CX-7. It now is very competitive to the Murano. That should increase sales for July.
A/C just went capute! A couple days ago, when I picked up the vehicle, the temp was in the high 80's, as was yesterday. A/C was working nicely. Temp is in the high 80's today here in Northern VA. Whether the A/C is in Climate Control or manual, with full fan, temp dialed down to 60 degrees and in recirc mode, it's only putting out tepid air.
Have a call into the service manager, but with the holiday tomorrow, don't expect a response until Wednesday.
Just hope this isn't symptomatic of the model line. This is my first Mazda...just hope this doesn't taint my views about this company.
I'll keep everyone posted when the dealership looks at the problem.
keep in mind the 1st model year issues - with this being a brand new vehicle there could be many. we have purchased two vehicles in the 1st year of production - and both were in the shop for what i consider more than the normal number of times, but all fixed under warranty. past that, they have both been fine. upon researching, many of the issues were common and resolved in year 2.
no matter how much testing a manufacturer does before release, many things crop up once they start to sell.
i was disgusted with my 95 maxima having been in the shop so much the 1st five years / 60,000 miles (all fixed under warranty). today, at 12 years and 135,000 miles, its running strong. all i've ever done to it is change the oil and brakes. researching the problems i had the 1st year, many were very common problems that were fixed the following year.
Went and checked out the CX-7 yesterday. Very nice. Maybe a tolerable transition for a Miata owner with a baby on the way.
All the reviews I've read so far are for AWD. Any FWD owners got an opinion on torque steer - pulling to the left or right when hammering the throttle?
Also, anybody know the manual's recommended oil change interval?
I have FWD, and I do notice that there is some pulling involved when hitting the throttle. The oil change thing is ever 7500 miles. I was kinda disappointed by the fact that if I slammed it off the line I'd get some instability, but then again, I did not buy this car with racing in mind. If you go easily THEN punch it, the turbo will kick in and you won't get any of the squirly feeling. Hope that answers your question.
This thread had gone a little cold (allowing myself a grin) however, I did get out to the Mazda dealer over this past weekend for a first test drive of a CX-7.
We had a blast, the roadholding / nimbleness of this vehicle is just great, as others have noticed. We tested on a 95-degree, sunny St. Louis Saturday afternoon, so I did pay attention to the a/c given the discussion here. IMHO, and compared to other vehicles (like my wife's WS-6 Trans Am), *no*, it doesn't sit at idle and crank out ice cubes like grandpa's Buick can. It took max / recirc mode to really get it cooled down, as others have said.
One other thing, I'm fairly certain it has a load-triggered a/c cutout (where it cuts off the a/c compressor during full-throttle) to devote all hp to moving the car, and not driving the a/c during passing maneuvers etc. I've driven other 4-cyls with these. We were "exploring" the performance of our test vehicle quite a bit, and I noticed the a/c output air warming up with our prolonged trips the the gears at full throttle. So if your foot is "into it" a lot, it likely won't be very cool in there after a while.
Wouldn't keep me from buying one...wow, these are nice. And that was before we spotted the all-black one that had just been spiffed for delivery to a customer. Chrome aftermarket wheels...looked great!
The GT w/tech has autolock, which when set at the dealership, allows you to exit the CX-7 and walk away - the CX-7 automatically locks itself EXCEPT if you keep the Advanced Key in your pocket along with a cell phone. The phone, in close proximity to the Advance Key, interferes with the radio signal from the key. The owners manual warns about this, but I didn't believe it.
Sure enough, it's true. Without the cell phone in my belt, the CX-7 locks itself as I walk away. However, with the cell phone on my belt and the key in my pocket, that feature doesn't work.
Hi everyone! I am about to purchase a CX-7, just finalized all the numbers today. I'm getting the Grand Touring model with the Technology package, black cherry mica with sand leather interior. I'm really excited about this car! I currently drive a Lexus RX300 (2002) and the lease is up. I went WAY over the mileage. So this time, I'm financing. I can't believe how much "stuff" I'm getting in this car, and for such a great price. I enjoyed the test drive very much and look forward to having a great time with this car. I stumbled onto this website by accident, and I'm learning a lot from reading everyone's comments.
Congrats! You'll really enjoy your CX-7. I know I did. Black Cherry is another nice color.. I opted for the Copper Red. You'll have a great time with it and be sure to check out that sound system. Especially if you listen to stuff with some bass to it. ENJOY!
I'm hoping that the "autolock" can be turned off, because that would make me kind of nervous. I've locked the keys in the car a few times in my past. Now, I like it if the doors lock when you start the car. My Maxima has that feature. Can this "autolock" feature be customized for different types of locking situations?
Just get in the habit of keeping your keys in your pocket (except if you have a cell phone in the same pocket). The autolock feature works beautifully!
Don't think autolock can be customized. It's either enabled or disabled. That can only be done at the dealership.
Even though I don't have the car yet, this Autolock feature is sort of making me nervous. Being female, I usually do not keep my car keys in a pocket, but rather in my purse, which also contains my cellphone (although I don't throw my keys and phone in the same part of the purse; there's a little pocket for the cell). My question is: how close do the keys and phone need to be to disable the autolock? Do they have to be touching?
As an example, I can clip my cell to the belt on the right side and keep the key in my left pocket and the autolock works fine. But if I put the cell and the key into the same pocket, then autolock doesn't work.
I wouldn't be too concerned. You have lots of flexibility. Even if you have the cell and the advanced key in the same pocket or purse, you can always use the request button on the door to lock/unlock the vehicle or the lock/unlock buttons on the advanced key fob to lock/unlock the doors.
If autolock is working properly, you'll hear a beep as soon as all doors are shut. When you walk away from the vehicle, about 5 feet, you'll hear a second beep, the parking lights flash once and the doors locking. So, if you don't hear that initial beep, then you know that autolock lock signal is disabled, so just press the request button on the door, to lock the vehicle or press the lock button on the key fob to lock the vehicle. In this case, the lock/unlock buttons on the advanced key works just the same way as typical keyless entry does on other vehicles.
With the advanced key, you can also open the windows and the moonroof AND unlock the vehicle from about 5 feet away, simply by pressing and holding for 5 seconds, the unlock button on the advanced key fob! Neat, huh? But you can't close the windows or moon roof in this manner. You have to do that from inside the CX-7 before getting out.
I LOVE this vehicle! Since buying it Friday, I have yet to see another on the roads around northern VA. Always getting lots of "stares" by other drivers.
The AUTOLOCK feature will NOT allow you to lock the car with the keys inside! Even if the you place the key-fob and purse in the rear hatch area, the locator won't allow the doors to lock if the key is inside the vehicle. We found this out first hand when SOMEBODY swapped her purses and forgot to get the fob out of the old one :mad:
My wife has her keys and cell phone in the purse at the same location and it dosen't interfere with the operation. Maybe they must touch to disengage the feature. :confuse:
Don't be misled; the A-L is a great feature, especially if you're carrying a ton of bags and can't reach into a purse or pocket to hit a button. While you're getting your final touches at the dealership; get the A-L engaged... and if you're not happy with it, you can always get it un-done, although I can't imagine that you would! :shades:
I haven't been able to tell any REAL torque steer to speak of... There was a TON of steer on my '95 Millenia, and on my '02 Camry, but so far I haven't had any on the CX-7 to groan against.
Comments
The invoice for the Sirius unit is the same that's posted on Edmunds, however buying from the dealer AFTER the vehicle hits is the same for everyone.
Be careful with that advise, smart dealers will ask you to tell them EXACTLY what car it was, and then look on the dealer system, and see if you are telling the truth. We dealers know what all of our neighboring dealers have in inventory. You don't wanna get caught in a lie, does not suit well for you.
The best way to buy a new car is a straight sale, no trade. Much less financial figuring.
fowler3
So for those who are working with dealers who won't budge, my recommendation would be to have dealers compete for your business. I actually had one dealer on the phone while I was at another dealership.
-El Toro
Thanks!
Steve, Host
But when I saw it in the Acc. catalog... man, did I change my mind!
I've seen the blue on a sport, and I'm not too impressed; waaaay too loud for me!
I settled for the Copper Red, and it dances like fire in the mid day sun, especially with curves along the front fender.
If blue is your taste... wait for it; this car is far too nice not to have what you really want in color or options!
That seems a bit steep. What is the name of the company that is guaranteeing the paint and dash protection? Did you sign any guarantee for the paint and dash as well?
Any advice?
Your local Mazda dealer should have the paint in stock. Paint code is 28W
The regular Mazda6 color is Dark Cherry, not Black Cherry Mica....big difference.
Steve, Host
How do I know my car is AWD? Does anyone know about this.
I didn't have chance to drive FWD CX-7.
Is there any difference between AWD and FWD in person nowmal driving?
There is no difference in driving FWD only and FWD with part-time AWD. It should feel exactly the same.
You will read online road tests where the drivers say they were able to take curves faster in the CX-7 than if they had been driving a regular SUV -- because of the AWD.
Is this your first FWD vehicle? If so, going around a sharp curve requires a little different approach than RWD.
Some on here will argue about it, but I learned from Audi reps over 30 years ago. With FWD on sharp curves, the driver should hold the throttle (hold what he has and not let up), halfway through the curve give it more gas and let the front wheels PULL the vehicle through it.
With RWD we get use to slowing and easing off the throttle entering a curve then pressing the throttle so the rear wheels push the car through it.
Start out slow and get the feel of it. Keep to the break-in schedule: no fast starts, no sudden braking, vary your speeds so the rings will seat properly. Don't hold a steady rpm or speed for a long period of time. The 2.3 likes to rev but don't rev it too high at first, the engine is tight.
About fuel economy: new cars do not get their best mileage until you have at least 5000 miles on them. They are pretty much broken in by then and the on-board computer has made changes based on your driving style, which will give you a better idea of your average mpg.
Best way to test is to use the same gas brand from the same pump at the same gas station. Pumps vary. Set it to fill and cut-off automatically each time. Write down the mileage and gallons before leaving the pump. Do this several times and average.
fowler3
How do I know my car is AWD?
1. The window sticker should list it in the upper left Model, the upper middle ENGINE/MECHANICAL FEATURES, and middle right State Of the Art Control Systems
2. When you turn the ignition on, several little symbols on the dashboard illuminate for a second or two while they go through their system checks. The AWD system is one of these, so every time you start the car, you should see
4WD
on the dash for a sec or to, then it should disappear.
I'm from Singapore and waiting for the launch in Q4 this year... a bit concern of the MPG and also the roll over... any comment from anyone...
btw... believe the AWB seems better than FWD?
I got a:
GT FWD Tech Package and Preferred Package with the Extended Warranty, MOC protection and the Lo Jack. Copper Red Mica with black leather interior. Brought it all home for 35000 (to include the protection options which came out ot be another 2700). I ended up getting it for 800 over invoice, they would not budge because of the popularity with the copper red mica and the fact that no one had driven it, and .. basically.. i tried to get lower I tried for 32400 out the door but htey have it to me for 32660 out the door not including the three protection options. My wife and I are very happy with it and cannot wait for Monday so I can pick it up!!!
Either way you're going to enjoy the CX-7!
As far as roll-over potential, with the Electronic Stability Control standard on the CX-7; rollover has almost been eliminated, but anything is still possible, and the CX-7 keeps you in control. But remember; this is NOT an off-road vehicle, and should never be confused with one!
The AWD will look like this: I-o-I.
The "o" is the rear differential, a gear set that drives the rear wheels.
Mazda CX-7. It sounds like you're going to
enjoy your car. I was wondering if anyone
could tell me what kind of maintenance will
be involved, specifically oil/filter changes
with the Turbo 4-cylinder.
Unfortunately I didn't have chance to see window sticker.
The dealer detached sticker already.
I read the manual too and user can see '4WD' warning sign when start ignition or has problem with 4WD.
Are AWD and FWD model installed different dashboard? And, FWD owner cannot see '4WD' symbol when start ignition on FWD model?
please answer me FWD owners.
Thank you.
I've driven through a couple of inches of water where the CX did a little hydroplaning, and the vehicle performed like a champ!
The TSC lamp kicked in, you could feel the system correcting itself, and no worries after about three seconds.
I was quite impressed. :shades:
If you're really concerned, why not take the car to an independent mechanic and have him confirm the presence of the AWD. He's a professional and would have no reason not to give you an honest answer.
Vince.
I paid MSRP: 28,000 for the basic vehicle, 4,005 for the Tech Package, 175 for the autodim mirror, 430 for Sirius, and 95 for the splash guards and 560 for delivery, processing, and handling fees. 33,265 out the door. Was able to get financing for 4.4%
The sound system is AWESOME (also love how tightly integrated the NAV system is with the Sirius), the fit/finish is superior, the acceleration is FAST, and it hugs the road. It was 93 degrees yesterday and the A/C proved capable of cooling the car quickly. I also think the Auto-Lock feature is the neatest thing since sliced cheese!
Signed: Very Satisfied!
Please report on your deal over in the Mazda CX-7: Prices Paid & Buying Experiences discussion too. Thanks,
Steve, Host
Also, Mazda got a little more aggressive on the lease for the CX-7. It now is very competitive to the Murano. That should increase sales for July.
A/C just went capute! A couple days ago, when I picked up the vehicle, the temp was in the high 80's, as was yesterday. A/C was working nicely. Temp is in the high 80's today here in Northern VA. Whether the A/C is in Climate Control or manual, with full fan, temp dialed down to 60 degrees and in recirc mode, it's only putting out tepid air.
Have a call into the service manager, but with the holiday tomorrow, don't expect a response until Wednesday.
Just hope this isn't symptomatic of the model line. This is my first Mazda...just hope this doesn't taint my views about this company.
I'll keep everyone posted when the dealership looks at the problem.
Vince
no matter how much testing a manufacturer does before release, many things crop up once they start to sell.
i was disgusted with my 95 maxima having been in the shop so much the 1st five years / 60,000 miles (all fixed under warranty). today, at 12 years and 135,000 miles, its running strong. all i've ever done to it is change the oil and brakes. researching the problems i had the 1st year, many were very common problems that were fixed the following year.
All the reviews I've read so far are for AWD. Any FWD owners got an opinion on torque steer - pulling to the left or right when hammering the throttle?
Also, anybody know the manual's recommended oil change interval?
We had a blast, the roadholding / nimbleness of this vehicle is just great, as others have noticed. We tested on a 95-degree, sunny St. Louis Saturday afternoon, so I did pay attention to the a/c given the discussion here. IMHO, and compared to other vehicles (like my wife's WS-6 Trans Am), *no*, it doesn't sit at idle and crank out ice cubes like grandpa's Buick can. It took max / recirc mode to really get it cooled down, as others have said.
One other thing, I'm fairly certain it has a load-triggered a/c cutout (where it cuts off the a/c compressor during full-throttle) to devote all hp to moving the car, and not driving the a/c during passing maneuvers etc. I've driven other 4-cyls with these. We were "exploring" the performance of our test vehicle quite a bit, and I noticed the a/c output air warming up with our prolonged trips the the gears at full throttle. So if your foot is "into it" a lot, it likely won't be very cool in there after a while.
Wouldn't keep me from buying one...wow, these are nice. And that was before we spotted the all-black one that had just been spiffed for delivery to a customer. Chrome aftermarket wheels...looked great!
Sure enough, it's true. Without the cell phone in my belt, the CX-7 locks itself as I walk away. However, with the cell phone on my belt and the key in my pocket, that feature doesn't work.
Vince
The MPG will suck for awhile, but trust me; it gets better!
The handling is so very inline with a sports car, you'll forget you're driving a C.U.V.!
Enjoy your new vehicle, and welcome to the club! :shades:
off, because that would make me kind of
nervous. I've locked the keys in the car
a few times in my past. Now, I like it if
the doors lock when you start the car. My
Maxima has that feature. Can this "autolock"
feature be customized for different types of
locking situations?
Don't think autolock can be customized. It's either enabled or disabled. That can only be done at the dealership.
Vince.
Oh, and thanks for the warm welcome!
I wouldn't be too concerned. You have lots of flexibility. Even if you have the cell and the advanced key in the same pocket or purse, you can always use the request button on the door to lock/unlock the vehicle or the lock/unlock buttons on the advanced key fob to lock/unlock the doors.
If autolock is working properly, you'll hear a beep as soon as all doors are shut. When you walk away from the vehicle, about 5 feet, you'll hear a second beep, the parking lights flash once and the doors locking. So, if you don't hear that initial beep, then you know that autolock lock signal is disabled, so just press the request button on the door, to lock the vehicle or press the lock button on the key fob to lock the vehicle. In this case, the lock/unlock buttons on the advanced key works just the same way as typical keyless entry does on other vehicles.
I LOVE this vehicle! Since buying it Friday, I have yet to see another on the roads around northern VA. Always getting lots of "stares" by other drivers.
Vince.
The AUTOLOCK feature will NOT allow you to lock the car with the keys inside! Even if the you place the key-fob and purse in the rear hatch area, the locator won't allow the doors to lock if the key is inside the vehicle.
We found this out first hand when SOMEBODY swapped her purses and forgot to get the fob out of the old one :mad:
My wife has her keys and cell phone in the purse at the same location and it dosen't interfere with the operation. Maybe they must touch to disengage the feature. :confuse:
Don't be misled; the A-L is a great feature, especially if you're carrying a ton of bags and can't reach into a purse or pocket to hit a button. While you're getting your final touches at the dealership; get the A-L engaged... and if you're not happy with it, you can always get it un-done, although I can't imagine that you would! :shades:
I haven't seen another one on the roads in Houston yet, but after seeing mine, I'm guessing that might change!
Vince.