First off, a big thank you goes out to foxman for providing pics of his Velocity Red with the Appearance Package minus the spoiler. I just happen to not be a spoiler fan but wanted the Velo-Red and had not yet seen any pics like that. Now I know exactly what I want.

Second, to user goforward...love you picture...Flyers fan forever here in Atlanta myself...

Now on to the questions...Please be kind with your responses.

1) I do like the Appearance Package that Mazda has. If I do get a basic model (with the GT Package of course), can I then later get the Appearance Package from Mazda? I don't know as much as I should and for some reason thought that doing that would involve taking off the whole front end! But since I can probably get a basic model used for a lot less and have more bargaining power, knowing that I could add the Appearance Package later without the big and expensive hassle would be huge.

2) I have seen the posts to look inside the door of the car to see the build date. And I have also seen the posts that I should be looking for an RX8 built later than Feb 2004. Since I am generally distrustful of people, (I work for a lawfirm) is there a place I can go to absolutely verify the "born on date" using the VIN?

3) Are there any folks out there whom I could talk to on the phone, hopefully nearby in Atlanta Ga that might be able to provide me with any and all inside tracks on what I should be looking for when I hit the streets in looking for my Velo-Red? I love the forum but a voice out there would help put my mind even more at ease and give me more ammo when hitting these smarmy dealers.

Ciao' and thanks for any and all help.

Rooster

 

1) Yes, and you should.

Buy the package you want: Base, Sport, Touring or GT. Once you've gotten used to the car and know what you want to add you can order any or all of the Appearance Package elements - and many other options/accessories too - seperately. Many of them are self-installable so no need to pay the dealer to do that. Trussville Mazda and Rosenthal Mazda both sell accessories/parts at discounted prices via the internet, and they offer great service by most accounts.

In addition, Mazda has a one-per-VIN parts rebate offer of 10/15/20% going through October. Gang up your expensive add-ons and order them all at once for the largest rebate. I'm going to show Trussville's prices to my dealer. If they'll match them great. If not, hello Trussville!

2) The build date is also on the factory sticker. Check the TSB/Recalls thread stickied at the top of the Tech Forum. Each TSB/recall is identified as to which particular VINs and build dates it applies to. Tell the selling dealer you won't take the car until all applicable TSB's are completed. (They have to do recalls of course, by law.)

3) My mom and sister live in Monroe GA. You can call them if you want, but they've never seen an RX-8 AFAIK and my sister's already taken! :D

 

Just a note of caution. I agree with everything "SpinninAgain" says, but with this caveat - there are pieces of the appearance package that are VERY difficult to self install.

I had mine installed by the dealer two weeks after delivery, and I stayed and watched them do it.

The front air dam could be easily self installed - you DO have to drill six holes in the existing front bumper for the bolts to go through, but the dimples are marked on the inside of the original bumper, so it's not an issue.

Same with the rear "aero" flares (mudflap looking things). Easy enough to install, but requires cutting a slot (1" to 1 1/2" long) in the existing rear bumper, and there are no holes this time - just a provided paper template.

BUT, the hard one is the side aero flares. There are three holes that must be drilled right through the body (big enough you could easily put your thumb through them), and some trimming of the strip that runs underneath the door, as well as replacing some plugs in the bottom of the car! If the holes are not PERFECT, the aero flares will not be flush with the body, or won't go on due to the holes being too far up or down. Again, you only get six paper templates that you have to cut with scissors, tape to the flares, put them up to the body, remove the flare (leaving the taped template) and drill the holes.

4 hours, just for the side flares, and by a very experienced crew! Not something I would EVER try at home.

AND, permanent holes in the metal side of your car if you get it wrong.

FYI.............