New Test Drive

[another aussie]

My wife and I went for a test drive yesterday.

It certainly has some punch once the turbo comes in. We both loved it. Compared to our Klugar (Highlander for US readers) it felt like a sports car. The Klugar is incredible quiet but we liked the growl of the CX-7. The handling and lack of body roll really grabbed both of us. The turbo lag was noticable but I guess once you get the feel for the throttle you adjust your driving style. I was already to go Subaru this time, but after seeing the styling and pricing of the CX I am not even bothering to have a test of the Subie.

I am disappointed that I have to give the SATNav on the Klugar up (have told Mazda Australia marketing what I think) - although the Toyota unit failed under warranty a few months ago - replacement cost is $3000 plus!!! Any recommodations on a portable unit? I was thinking Tom Tom.

Also any recommendations on the reversing sensors - are they useful? The camera would have been nice!!

Up to the dealer to come up with the numbers now. I am going to drive to Sydney to day and see some colours and organise another quote. From the posts it looks like the dealers are willing to compete. We will see!!

Hopefully see you on the road in a few weeks.

Any advice gratefully received.

AA

[aussieCX7]

Hi AA,

It's a great car isn't it? I have been in contact with Mazda Australia for about the last 6 weeks. They have been really great.

Supposedly there is Reverse Camera coming out in early 2007, Mazda are testing it at the moment. I have decided to go without SatNav, I don't want anything on the dash or around.

As they don't have a Reverse Camera as of yet, I've gone for the Reverse Sensors on mine, but that's mainly 'cos I'm changing for a Roadster to the CX-7 (which is about 1.5 metres longer) & I have a neck injury that makes it difficult for me reverse.

As for colours, I've seen them all except the Icy & Aurora Blue. I've bought a Radiant Ebony 'cos I just love the colour, however, it was real close as the Copper Red, Galaxy Grey & Black all look incredible. I also went for the Sand Leather interior as that looks incredible (one of the demo's I saw was the Radiant Ebony & Sand, it looked a million bucks).

As more Aussies join the forum, I think we should start a thread of enhancements, so we can bombard Mazda Australia with ideas & what we think.

The downs for me on this car are (I realise some of these are just personal preference):

1. Would have liked a biger sunroof or panoramic roof (ala Merc B200)
2. Better & seemless iPOD integration (to display Artist/Album/Track info on music system display)
3. Reverse Camera
4. SatNav
5. All Digital Dash Display (I'm not really keen on analogue ones)
5. More storage pockets (there is loads of room but no little pockets to put things in (especially in the back))

Other than those, it's a great car. Would be interested to see how you go on price (see my other post) & what colour you choose.

[another aussie]

Hi

We hit our first hitch on the purchase. Dealer has valued the Kluger at $27,000 - that is 50% depreciation in 3 years for a car in mint condition. They didn't want to move on the price because they know they can shift them. I will see what the local dealer will do tomorrow. Looks like this will be an after XMAS project unless I can get a better deal.

I saw a white CX today.Looked great. My last 2 Toyotas have been white (easy to keep clean, don't show the scratches) and I was going to go for a real colour!! But even the white looked great - until it came with the change over price.

Will just have to sit tight!

AA

[another aussie]

Hi

We found a good deal and have a copper red luxury addition on order!!

Just have to see when they can get the car.

AA

[iamthestig]

Hi

We found a good deal and have a copper red luxury addition on order!!

Just have to see when they can get the car.

AA

Congrats - I am still waiting for my local dealer to get one in to have a look and drive...

Did the other dealer up the trade value much ?

I hope you buyers can give us some good feedback and pics soon !!!

[another aussie]

Hi

It definitely pays to get a couple of quotes. The local guy gave a good honest quote first go. The "city" guy was $8K below! But after telling us all the reasons why that was a good deal managed to find $9K when they had to match our local dealer!!

We gave the business to the local guy who gave us a genuine price first shot - as they matched the city guy anyway.

We got tow bar, protectors, mats and tinted glass in the deal. I would have liked the Ipod connector and the reversing sensors but though the budget had been strectched enough!

I now have to find a Sat Nav to replace my in car unit. I was going to Tom Tom 910 until I discovered Garmin Nuvi 660 (I think) can be tuned throught the car radio without cables - and appears to have many of the features of TT. It is fun doing the research - driving my wife crazy!


Regards
AA

[iamthestig]

Hi

It definitely pays to get a couple of quotes. The local guy gave a good honest quote first go. The "city" guy was $8K below! But after telling us all the reasons why that was a good deal managed to find $9K when they had to match our local dealer!!

We gave the business to the local guy who gave us a genuine price first shot - as they matched the city guy anyway.

We got tow bar, protectors, mats and tinted glass in the deal. I would have liked the Ipod connector and the reversing sensors but though the budget had been strectched enough!

I now have to find a Sat Nav to replace my in car unit. I was going to Tom Tom 910 until I discovered Garmin Nuvi 660 (I think) can be tuned throught the car radio without cables - and appears to have many of the features of TT. It is fun doing the research - driving my wife crazy!


Regards
AA

Thanks for the update. I have a TT300 now and may upgrade it to a TT710. The TT just is the best interface etc. I would pass on the TT910 as I wouldn't be happy with a Hard Disk Drive sitting in the heat...