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Mazda CX-7 Tech Package Worth It?

17 messages,  Last post on Nov 18, 2006 at 9:17 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda CX-7, Audio, SUV

    

Messages Page 2 of 2

#8 of 17 Re: Keyless entry [astegman] by cxrabbit

Nov 16, 2006 (4:20 pm)

Replying to: astegman (Nov 16, 2006 2:14 pm)
Keyless entry doesn't have to be activated. It's the AUTOLOCK feature that needs to be activated.
 
Even more frustrating is that at a recent car show there was a CX-7 with built-in iPod dock.
http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news/2061102.007/2061102.007.mini6L.jpg
It's a big goof on Mazda's part to not have this (or something like it) already available (without having to give up other things). It's seems silly that it's causing me so much grief in my decision making, but I really don't listen to CDs anymore, nor can I tell you the last time I even bought one. My iPod goes with me everywhere.

#9 of 17 Re: Keyless entry [cxrabbit] by astegman

Nov 17, 2006 (5:58 am)

Replying to: cxrabbit (Nov 16, 2006 4:20 pm)
Yes, sorry cxrabbit, I meant Autolock's the one that needs to be activated. The mind's the first thing to go when you get to be as old as I am.
 
I think your decision is already made. Since your iPod is extremely important to you, then the CX-7 is not the car for you. That stinks, I agree, and shame on Mazda for alienating a potential customer. But if it's causing you so much grief, as you say, then you've really already made up your mind. Hopefully you will find another car that suits your technological needs better than the CX-7!

#10 of 17 Re: Keyless entry [astegman] by cxrabbit

Nov 17, 2006 (2:05 pm)

Replying to: astegman (Nov 17, 2006 5:58 am)
LOL it's the decision that's causing me grief. I go to test-drive tomorrow, so we'll see. I'm also going to head over to my local car-stereo place tonight and see what experience they've had with CX-7's (if any at this point).

#11 of 17 Re: Keyless entry [cxrabbit] by astegman

Nov 17, 2006 (2:14 pm)

Replying to: cxrabbit (Nov 17, 2006 2:05 pm)
Hope it works out one way or the other. I love my CX-7! But I am a dinosaur and still buy and play CDS - don't have an iPod, wouldn't know what to do with it if I did! At this point, I am trying to decide if I should have the satellite radio installed - that's about as high tech as I can go (that, and using the Nav system!). Good luck - let us know how your test drive goes!

#12 of 17 Re: Tech Package Worth It? [cxrabbit] by rex10

Nov 17, 2006 (4:45 pm)

Replying to: cxrabbit (Nov 15, 2006 7:54 pm)
I spent a lot of time thinking about the tech package, mainly because the non-tech package stereo couldn't play MP3 CD's. In the end I decided that it was not worth it for me.
 
First of all, in the accessories catalog there's a 6 disc changer head unit that does play MP3's. Maybe it's possible to upgrade without losing the Bose centerpoint audio? I've also discovered that the non-MP3 capable changer in my CX-7 can at least read CD-RW disks, so I can re-burn and update my "playlist" in the car changer. I read in another forum a link to a recommended IPOD kit that lets you use the IPOD controls or the head unit/steering wheel controls to run the ipod:
 
http://www.therpmstore.com/index.php (go to the CX-7 section)
 
Last but not least, with all the money I've saved I'll probably get a Garmin Nuvi, which I can use in any car (also while travelling and renting), and which also speaks out the street names when telling directions.
 
Just my two cents.

#13 of 17 Re: Tech Package Worth It? [rex10] by cxrabbit

Nov 17, 2006 (11:55 pm)

Replying to: rex10 (Nov 17, 2006 4:45 pm)
"NOTE for 2007 Mazda CX-7: The AudioLink is only compatible if the factory navigation system is NOT installed."
 
Hence, no reason for the Tech package at that point
 
I THINK I've found a solution... not absolutely sure yet. I may skip the Tech package and give up the moonroof (how stupid is it that the moonroof is included in a "tech" package) unless I can convince the dealer to install it without the other stuff. I'll also have to give up advanced keyless entry/ignition and just live with the stock keyless entry.
 
Instead, I'll take the money I safe and put it into a kick-butt aftermarket system I found. Talked to an audio pro tonight and he has an amazing touch-screen system there that has navigation with live traffic, satellite radio, ipod capability, blue-tooth, backup camera, and CD/DVD changer. With all new speakers and the whole unit it'll cost me less than the Tech Package, and I'll get more of what I want.

#14 of 17 Re: Tech Package Worth It? [cxrabbit] by carlitos92

Nov 18, 2006 (7:26 am)

Replying to: cxrabbit (Nov 17, 2006 11:55 pm)
Why give up the moonroof? You could always get the moonroof with the non-Tech Bose package...
 
As mentioned earlier, the Bose stereo will do either Sirius OR iPod, but not both. If you're just going to rip it out and replace it anyway, you could probably find a buyer on eBay...

#15 of 17 Re: Tech Package Worth It? [carlitos92] by cxrabbit

Nov 18, 2006 (9:04 am)

Replying to: carlitos92 (Nov 18, 2006 7:26 am)
I'd hardly get anything for it. If I'm going to rip it out, better to just get the stock radio.

#16 of 17 Re: Tech Package Worth It? [cxrabbit] by carlitos92

Nov 18, 2006 (10:00 am)

Replying to: cxrabbit (Nov 18, 2006 9:04 am)
Your choice. With other manufacturers routinely charging around $1000 for a moonroof separately, it wouldn't be that much to me to throw away the stereo in the Bose/Moonroof package to get what I want. Only you know whether you can live without the hole in the roof or not...

#17 of 17 Re: Tech Package Worth It? [carlitos92] by cxrabbit

Nov 18, 2006 (9:17 pm)

Replying to: carlitos92 (Nov 18, 2006 10:00 am)
Went to the dealer today and got two prices (written down) for with moonroof package and without. $1000 more with. I'm going back tomorrow to see if they'll split the difference and give me the moonroof. If so, it's a done deal!
 
BTW, I test drove the CX-7, Nissan Murano and VW Jetta (yeah, totally different). While the Nissan did win when it came to plushiness and cabin noise, it was too big. The Jetta would be more a consideration if it wasn't a step backwards in some areas... no auto-headlights, no remote start available and no keyless entry for example.
 
I loved the way the CX-7 handled. Comforable cabin, though a bit noisier than I thought it would be. Nice tight turning radius. It really did feel like a car and I didn't find myself overwhelmed with it's size... it felt very natural coming from a hatchback/wagon style car (Toyota Matrix).

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