i got this after i emailed mazda about the 6 cd changer,

Hi Nads,

In regards to your inquiry, the 6-CD changer is not part of the Bose
Premium Audio Package at this time. Please understand that accessories
are still under development, but there will be an announcement made in
March with more information.

Rest assured that customer feedback is very important to Mazda. I have
already forwarded your comments to those people in charge of RX-8
products. Please let me know if I can assist you further

 

Here's what I got:

 

I don't want a trunk mounted cd changer. It's lame.

 

As I understand the accessory changer is supposed to be able to be put in the dash. I don't think Mazda USA has a firm grasp on what going to come in the cars just yet.

 

I just hope the whole issue will be resolved by the time we can actually place an order in Canada. I also agree with Herc regarding a trunk mounted CD changer - better than nothing but too inconvenient.

 

I listened to a Mazda6 with a Bose system that had a 6-disk cd changer in dash.

 

And what are your thoughts regarding the sound quality?

 

I'd rather had a trunk mounted magazine-loaded changer. I think having to carry out 6 CDs in the jewel cases, load them one-by-one in a slot loaded changer, and then having to find a place to stash the jewel cases is just as lame as having to deal with a single CD player.

---jps

 

I rarely, if ever, have jewel cases in my car. I just have one of those notebook type cd cases with the pages that hold the disks. I think it holds a hundred disks and stashes away under the passenger seat.

I find I never change the disks in a trunk mounted cd changer and begin to get tired of my music.

 

And if that works for you, then cool. But it's just as inconvenient for me to load up a CD caddy in the house, and then load up a slot-loaded changer. And that's not even considering all of the scratches that can get on a CD that way. And since the car is not the only place I listen to CDs, I don't want to keep a whole bunch of them stashed in my car (especially since they're alot more vulnerable to theft in the car).

But that's for me and my situation.

---jps

 

All I can say is that if the center console in the cars being built for the US is the same one shown in the press kit, then the car will have a CD Changer of some sort in it. There isn't a CD Changer button on it, only a CD button. And the station preset buttons 1 and 2 are also labeled "DISK" with up and down arrows.

Logic would therefore suggest that it is coming with the RX-8's but whether it actually makes it to the US is another issue entirely.

Hopefully Mazda will be respectful of the showing of all of its Rotary fan's pre-orders and build the car to be competitive among the other cars in its class when it comes to options packages.

-Quick

 

I emailed my concerns about the CD player to my MAZDAUSA RX8 customer service rep and got this response:

"The in-dash CD player for the RX-8 is a single CD player. I apologize that it is not a 6 Disc player, but the 6 Disc player is an optional accessory. In addition, there will be no additional options available other than the Navigation System. "

asking for clarification on whether 6-disc was an option or not an option for the pre-orders, she responded:

"The 6 Disc CD player is an accessory only, it would have to be purchased through the dealership, and the dealership would install it. It will be available to anyone who purchases an RX-8, as an accessory though the dealer. The dealer would have to advise you of the price once the product is available. We currently have no MSRP for it. "

Guess we're dealing with Apples (accessories) and Oranges (options) here:D

I put in my plug this ought to be a reward/bonus to those of us with enough faith to have already ordered the RX8 since it was not an option on the pre-order list. My suggestion has been forwarded to the "Product Planning Department"

 

According to Mazda Canada Product Information Bulletin all RX-8 trim models will have Bose sound system with 6 disc changer as standard equipment!

See my thread in the regional Canadian forum.

 

This is past the point of obscene.

If the rest of the world is getting a 6 CD changer standard, why doesn't the US as well?

Email rx8orders@mazdausa.com and complain. I am going to send a second email with more harsh language (not abusive), just to make my point that it's VERY unfair to get a car that is subpar to the rest of the world, especially when the US is going to be the bulk of the order placers for the RX-8.

Throw us a bone here Mazda. This is wrong!

 

Sorry Herc... I didn't mean to upset you!!! :D

 

hehe, just struck a nerve... about the same topic it did last time!

 

I did exactly that. Here's the (edited) response:

 

Yeah that is absolutely ridiculous.

You would think given the fact that they stand to sell more in the states than they do anywhere else, we would be getting all the bells and whistles.

I just hope that all in all Mazda doesn't screw this up and start pushing back delivery dates on the loyal customers who were the first to place their orders when they started taking them on the 8th.

I mean in all honesty it is a big commitment to go on blind faith and agree to drop upwards of $30,000 on a car you have never seen, in anything other than pictures, let alone driven.

 

My .02 to MAZDAUSA RX8orders:

There is a growing global community of soon to be RX8 owners sharing information about our new cars. And one very disappointing tid bit I just found out is that Mazda Canada and Mazda Europe are including the 6 disc CD as "standard equipment". And (per our previous communication) Mazda USA doesn't even think it should be included in the Grand Touring Package? This seems very unfair! I can tell you the US rotary enthusiasts are very unhappy if their forum posts are anything to go by.

My Customer Rep's reply:

Hi Carl,

I certainly understand your disappointment about Mazda USA not offering the 6 Disc CD changer as standard equipment. There are several factors why it could be offered as standard equipment in Canada and Europe, the pricing may be different, not as strict safety standards, etc.

I have documented all of your comments and have forwarded them to our Product Planning department. If anything changes I will send you an e-mail.

Again, please let me know if there is anything further I can assist you with.

Whether you like the answer or not, I think the RX8order reps are doing a great job in responding to our questions/concerns. Replies have always been prompt. I still hold out a glimmer of hope that at least some of the option packages will include the 6-disc by the time they arrive.

 

I most heartedly agree that the six CD Changer should be part of the Bose Package. Not only is it part of the canadian Bose Package but my wife's new Mazda6 Bose system has it included (and 200 watts to boot vs 100 watts!). The new 2003 Miata SE also has the six CD Changer.
Given that the RX-8 is more expensive than both the Mazda6 and the SE Mita, it of all cars should have the player. What gives???

 

:D

 

This is the response I recievced from them

I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you.

In regards to your e-mail, all decisions regarding the 2004 Mazda RX-8
are made by our Product Planning department. Rest assured that a 6-CD
player will be available as a Mazda dealer-installed accessory. More
information regarding the RX-8 accessories will be available later this
month.

In the meantime, please understand that consumer feedback is vital to
Mazda. I have documented your e-mail comments for the corporate record,
which is continuously reviewed in an effort to provide only the highest
quality products to our consumers. I have also taken the liberty of
forwarding a copy directly to our Product Planning department.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can do.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to assist you.

Best regards,

Ashley Inman
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business

 

Rotorgeek,

In case you missed the other thread, it appears that a 6-disc in-dash changer will be standard according to Road and Track.

That might not suit everyone but it is included standard with the car. I would guess that you still might be able to integrate an external changer but I'm not sure.

-Mr. Wigggles

 

These are the specs from a Canadian RX-8 for the sound system and it is in both models!

AM/FM stereo with 6 disc in dash CD changer, clock with built in audio display, and Bose Premium sound system( includes 9 speakers)

Hope this helps!!

JayDee

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the RX-8 specs from Mazda North America won't be available until later this month (March).

How would R&T know what the standard equipment is? Did I miss something?