Reply With QuoteHow does Mazda compare on optional equipment with other cars made in Japan? I'm not talking about Japanese labeled cars that are built here but ones that are boated over.
Can you build and buy an S2K to spec? Just curious.
Originally Posted by Titus
She knows better than to get between me and a Miata.
Highlight Silver & Tan 99"With a Style Bar"
http://www.cardomain.com/id/riverracer
Member AARP & Meals on Wheels.....
Everything else just "Depends"........
How does Mazda compare on optional equipment with other cars made in Japan? I'm not talking about Japanese labeled cars that are built here but ones that are boated over.
Can you build and buy an S2K to spec? Just curious.
A lot of it has to do with how they package the options on the Vehicles, I know on my new 4Runner (which is built in Japan) they had 3 basic packages then you could get additional options on the 3 basic packages it worked out well enough I found one on the lot loaded just like I wanted.
When we looked at the MX5 we got, "no you need to move up to this one" or "no that's not available on that one you need to step down to this version". When asked if we could ordered it the way we wanted we got a no, and we left the lot feeling kinda sad in our 2002 Miata......
I think the S2K comes loaded and ready, I don't believe there are any options other than dealer installed options. But I could be wrong! Dave04 can you enlighten us??
edit: Treed by POS...
For the Japanese Honda build-it-yourself page, you can go a lot more in-depth unlike the American market page. I know for the 2004 era, you even had a choice of paying about $1,500 - $2,000 USD to use one of the four premium colors. I believe that the "Type-R Championship White" and "Imola Orange Pearl" colors were probably the more popular colors. It's a bit different for the US as some things such as the leather interior colors and all are set in stone with whichever color you pick.
But what I have heard and observed, the markets outside of America expect cars to be of the highest standards unlike what the domestic market gets. Great examples would the the Ford Focus (American vs. European spec) and the Civic (American vs. Global Market versions). The American Focus is seen as a econo-box while the European variant is better built and has a lot more options (the Focus RS is one that comes to many minds. The new Civic's interior, even if it is somewhat "revolutionary" is still somewhat vanilla as it is tailored to the American demographic. The ones outside of the US have a style and form that is a little more edgy and futuristic. The UK's Civics come with an [Engine Start] button similar to the one from the S2000 with a more digitally inspired interior; in addition to having a hatch edition for those who missed the EP hatch over there.
November 12, 2005 - A new beginning
Devil: 1999 Brilliant Black NB - Base Edition - Stock Spec
AIM ID: ZeroXR13mg
http://zeroxr.com
Looking at Honda.com, there is only one trim. The only options are Wheel Locks, Front Under Body Spoiler, Side Strakes, Trunk Spoiler, Wing Spoiler, Hardtop, Hardtop Dust Cover, Hardtop Storage Rack, Vehicle Dust Cover, Cargo Net, a couple shift knobs, and some electronics.
There is only one trim level from the factory. The dealer does offer several options including: Rear wing/spoiler options, front lip, side body moldings, and of course, a hard top ($3700!). There are also options for the radio: CD changer, XM, etc.
But, the basic car (engine, suspension, transmission, etc) are all the same for each model year.
--
Dave"Opinions are like
..."
Maybe Mazda could go to an option system simillar to this one!
The Mechanical optioning is perfect, but if I want leather, I am stuck with Cruise control, Driver Information Center, Fog lamps, and a 3-spoke leather-wrapped Steering wheel with Steering wheel accessory controls.Maybe Mazda could go to an option system simillar to this one!
Your are one whiny biatch!
Still Pontiac seems to have it figured out a bit better than Mazda.
Your are one whiny biatch!
Still Pontiac seems to have it figured out a bit better than Mazda.
It is better, but not the best. There was a time when GM would do just about anything you could dream up for a price. My father-in-law had an El Camino that the dealer ordered for him. The dealer was able to have the factory paint the car in Corvette Yellow even though Corvette Yellow was only offered on Corvettes (go figure). I suspect that that sort of thing is no longer possible.
I still like the Saturn Sky over the NC.
99 Miata Black
Yup and there was also a time when no one but the dealer had access to dealer invoice and the dealer's profit margin was higher. You can not expect a dealer or manufacturer to bend over and kiss your ass if your also going to dicker on the sticker.
It is better, but not the best. There was a time when GM would do just about anything you could dream up for a price. My father-in-law had an El Camino that the dealer ordered for him. The dealer was able to have the factory paint the car in Corvette Yellow even though Corvette Yellow was only offered on Corvettes (go figure). I suspect that that sort of thing is no longer possible.
My family has been dickering over sticker prices for generations. That's not a new phenomenon!
Not what I meant. I know car negotiations have been a part of buying a car well before I was born.
What I mean't was before the internet, finding invoice prices was near impossible so you had no idea what kind of deal you were getting. I'm sure if you look at the profits on new cars in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80's you'd see a higher profit margin for auto dealers and manufacturers than you do today.
Since profits are lower, safety and emmissions standards are higher, competition is tougher, manufacturing, labor, and materials are more expensive, consumer expectations are higher, and brand loyalty is all but non-existant auto manufacturers and dealers have had to cut costs anywhere than can. One way to do that is to limit complex ordering and instead offer package options.
Kind of a throw-back to ole Henry Ford where you could get a Model T in any color you wanted as long as it was black.
I guess, as they say, history repeats itself.
I'm sorry... I didn't catch that. Say what again?
Posting Permissions
