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European Mazda5 Accessories

5 messages,  Last post on Apr 06, 2009 at 8:31 AM

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#1 of 5 European Mazda5 Accessories by stevel0923 Apr 03, 2009 (9:54 am)
I wonder why the North American model of the Mazda lacks many of the standard accessories available on the European and Asian models. Most of these features are standard on other Domestic and Foreign cars sold here in the United States.   Some of these features include: 1) Dark Tinted Privacy Glass 2) Electric Sliding Doors with Remote Activation 3) Door Handle Garnish 4) Roof Rails 5) Overhead console with Sunglass holder 6) Dynamic Stability Control 7) Traction Control System 8) Middle Seat for Second Row (7 people total) 9) Parking Sensor   Then there a number of optional accessories I would like: 1) Bumper Corner Protector 2) Muffler Extension   If anyone knows how one could get these in the States, please make suggestions. Not sure if the Canadian version has them since I am going up there soon. Replies to this message: tomas_elantra (Apr 04, 2009 3:07 am) stevel0923 (Apr 04, 2009 4:30 am) vg33e power (Apr 06, 2009 7:19 am) and 1 more...
#2 of 5 Re: European Mazda5 Accessories [stevel0923] by tomas_elantra Apr 04, 2009 (3:07 am)
Replying to: stevel0923 (Apr 03, 2009 9:54 am) OK here is my take on your question, it may be disagreeable for some but it is simply my opinion and is not intended to offend anyone.   Would one spend on average over $30k for your Mazda 5? I am betting some might but most would pass. In Europe things are built for the long term with more money spent upfront, for example Ford has a great name in Germany (The one's that are built there that is). The residential and commercial buildings there will outlast most things built here in the US by many many years. But on average in 5-6 years we pick up and move elsewhere so it may not matter as much to us? The construction practices are very reliable and practical (green) in Europe ~ you pay more upfront but keep in mind you do not usually move nearly as often or sell your car as frequently. Even the roads are superior (again Germany I can speak for), here (Ky) there are pot holes that friggin ruin your car every winter, and I have almost have never had any issues driving in Europe, again the idea is to construct something with more cost upfront but in the long run it pays for itself (sort of anyways). Lastly to complete my take on this and directly address the question at hand, compare the prices of the two Mazda's, one in the us and the other in Germany. Although you may not find the exact same model but on average you will pay 25% or more over there, and look at what you get, a lot more things that make sense (economical and practical). Generally we like things at rock bottom prices here (again I am speaking on average, not to everyone). Walmart was ran out of town in Wurzburg, and frankly I was glad to see them go, most of the crap was just that, crap from China. I served in the military and spent time overseas, and I apologize or the lengthy response, I only felt is necessary to make the point of the two Mazda's in question. If the price of the Mazda jumped 25% here the competition would probably move in Mazda would likely have to stop production on the 5....again this is just my take on it. Replies to this message: stevel0923 (Apr 04, 2009 4:30 am) vg33e power (Apr 06, 2009 7:19 am) stevel0923 (Apr 06, 2009 8:31 am)
#3 of 5 Re: European Mazda5 Accessories [tomas_elantra] by stevel0923 Apr 04, 2009 (4:30 am)
Replying to: tomas_elantra (Apr 04, 2009 3:07 am) I generally agree that there is a culture difference that will affect the kind of accessories that will go into a particular car. This is not unusual with most foreign cars sold all over the world. I also agree that Mazda in US has priced their mini-minvan at such an attractive price in order draw more customers. However, that doesn't prevent Mazda from adding more to their Grand Touring line and even come up with more Luxuries Trim. In the U.K., they have 5 trim line for the Mazda 5. I am just used cars having many of the listed features I would have liked to seen. Still can't figure why they do not include Privacy Tint glass like other cars. They even have it in their product brochure pictures. I just hate seeing the kids baking in the back when the its sunny and hot especially with a black interior. Replies to this message: vg33e power (Apr 06, 2009 7:19 am) stevel0923 (Apr 06, 2009 8:31 am)
#4 of 5 Re: European Mazda5 Accessories [stevel0923] by vg33e power Apr 06, 2009 (7:19 am)
Replying to: stevel0923 (Apr 04, 2009 4:30 am) The reason the MZ5 do not come tinted has nothing to do with Mazda not wanting to just throw it in since all other MZ5s around the world come with it. In fact it may be costing Mazda a tad more not to do this because they are having to get a manufacturer to make them for Mazda without the privacy tint. The main reason it is not included in N.A MZs is solely because of the categorization they use here in N.A   Since it is not marketed in the same category as an SUV or a Mini-Van/Van (which are the only vehicles that are allowed to come with privacy glass from factory) then the MZ5 cannot come with privacy glass from the factory. Call it BS or whatever you want, but these idiotic rules are set forth by politics.   So....if your kids are "baking" in the back, I suggest you spend $200-250 and get your MZ5 tinted at a tint shop and stop complaining about it.   Simple Fix! Replies to this message: stevel0923 (Apr 06, 2009 8:31 am)
#5 of 5 Re: European Mazda5 Accessories [vg33e power] by stevel0923 Apr 06, 2009 (8:31 am)
Replying to: vg33e power (Apr 06, 2009 7:19 am) Oh...it life was only that simple. I would pay twice the amount for factory tint versus aftermarket. Maybe its my own prejudice but I am not convince that aftermarket looks that good. Besides, I am one of those purist that likes to keep a car with factory only stuff to the best of my ability.   This thread is more of a wish list then complaint. I just think its ironic that most other minivans/crossovers/station wagon have these items already. You should see the threads from people wanting the Euro Roof Rails as a convenient way to add cargo on top versus what the NA crossbar option has to offer (no flexibility). Or the desire for Traction Control for Winter driving here in the Northeast.   Its just ironic have these options available on European and Asian versions but not here? I understand the need to par the cost for marketability but what about providing options for people want to pay the extra cost? I am not complaining about something that doesn't exist but something that is held back from the North America customer for no logical reason. Keep the simple trim lines they have to offer but add more to the accessory catalog.

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