Here I come!!!!!

[MadBiker]

This is it!! I'm getting a zoomzoom 6 here in JPN. WhootWhoot!!! Will be a red manual w/sunroof (too bad sunroof only comes with Bose stereo and DVD navigation)! Delivery is in about 3 weeks.

Wish me luck guys and gals!!

[Antoine]

This is it!! I'm getting a zoomzoom 6 here in JPN. WhootWhoot!!! Will be a red manual w/sunroof (too bad sunroof only comes with Bose stereo and DVD navigation)! Delivery is in about 3 weeks.

Wish me luck guys and gals!!

Suuuuuugoi :D

SAY WHAT!!!...Congrats dude?...This came out of nowhere...How much was the final price? Are you leasing or financing? Post pics when get your baby!

[seanmcsean]

you get nav over there in japan.. if you ever sell the car, I've got first dibs on it.

with that said.. good luck!! (yippy)

[CatD399]

you get nav over there in japan.. if you ever sell the car, I've got first dibs on it.

with that said.. good luck!! (yippy)

right-hand driving.... must be some different...

Congrats my friend, but why ''too bad it comes with the Bose...''?

[crossbow]

Cat,

Jdm 6's are lighter, have cleaner body lines, actual sidemarkers, and 18 more bhp then the US/Canada spec 6i's.

[CatD399]

Cat,

Jdm 6's are lighter, have cleaner body lines, actual sidemarkers, and 18 more bhp then the US/Canada spec 6i's.

why are we getting screwed? it's not like we're asking for it, no?

[Antoine]

why are we getting screwed? it's not like we're asking for it, no?

Is that because of U.S./NA regulations (saftey, emmisions etc) or just domestic Vs international model differences?

[CatD399]

you might be right on emissions antoine, that would settle the power. but how does increasing the weight increase safety?? at any given speed a heavier car has more inertia and packs more punch during a collision....

what about the V6 in all this?...

[crossbow]

Oversea's doesn't get the V6...but they also get HID and NAV packages, as well as an AWD Wagon. The AWD system from the european 6 wagon is the system used in the MPS...which is also why its watercooled for reliability reasons...I'd imagine it would explode otherwise since the wagon's only got like 120 ft/lbs of torque, and the MPS 6 is pushing 280-300.

If you look at photos of JDM 6's, they don't have the jutting out rear, and the front is smoother, as their different safety reg's allow for a different front bumper design.

The extra power comes from higher compression (10.7:1 vs 9.7:1), and the fact the car runs on premium.

[CatD399]

i see.... thanks for all the info!!

[MadBiker]

Hey everybody thanks for the info. I didn't realize there were differences between the US and JPN versions. Although premium gas is recommended, the dealer says that it will run on regular gas but with loss in performance. I don't know about the AWD version - unless it's referring to the MZSpd6.

CadD399,
As for the Navi and Bose, I didnt want them but to get the sunroof I had no choice, and that added like about US$3,000 to the price. They don't have a leather seat option either (the car market is soooo different than in the US), so I'm seriously thinking about ordering a set from the US. Any pros and cons on that?

My driver seat will be a Mazdaspeed seat though.

Antoine,
yeah, well I had a really sweet Red '97 WRX Wagon with sunroof (no mods, it was stock!) but it got wrecked by an idiot (I've probably mentioned this in this forum before). The replacement white WRX wagon that I got just didn't cut it - Tein suspension was way too tight and the Oz wheels required very expensive rubber. And it was white (ugghhhh! too many white and silver cars here!!!). I didn't feel like spending money on it at all. So I decided to get a sweet red Atenza. Too bad they don't have Blazing Copper Metallic. I asked for it but Mazda said no. Otherwise I woulda had the only Blazing Copper Metallic Atenza in Japan!

I'll post price and other info later, the battery on my laptop needs recharging...

but thanks everyone, i'll post pics!!

[CatD399]

Personally i love my leather seats! especially with the heat on 'em... as for the color i guess if you're willing to make a paintjob, someone around here could give you the code..... you're garantied to turn heads!

[crossbow]

Madbiker,

Always follow the recommended octane levels. Whether its 87, or 93, they're recommended for a reason. Putting in less octane then recommended can cause knock, which results in retarted timing, and can also cause pings and detonation. Not a good thing.

If you put higher octane then recommended, you can reduce the combustion efficency leaving unburnt fuel in the exhaust, causing deposits on the valves, and reducing both power, mileage, and catalytic converter longevity.

[MadBiker]

Crossbow, thank you very much for the info. With the high gasoline costs in Japan,it is tempting to give into feeding my soon-to-be sweetheart inferior gas, but I wasn't really planning on it :-)

btw, how do you know so much about the Japan version of the 6? Where do you get your info?

[Mikey444]

crossbow is plain and simply a Mazda genius

[crossbow]

Nah...I'm just bored at work and use google alot.

[MadBiker]

For Antoine, dude sorry about not getting the price info to you - i've been busy as hell will try this week, car's finally coming in.

I have questions for you guys here...

I purchased a Mazdaspeed seat for the driver side and now I have an extra "regular" Atenza/6 power seats with airbags. Would anyone want that, including international sihpping and what not? Don't know what to do with it and don't have space here to store it. Seat - I don't know what value it would have - these are probably the same as the ones in the US...

Also, Mazda damaged the rear bumper during shipment, so they sent a replacement. My dealer's gonna chuck the damaged one. It's still all in one piece, and the damage is not great, with some putty to level out the scratch, and repainting, it would look brand new. Anyone want it? Again, you'll have to pay for the international shipping, but it's a great chance to get a JDM bumper... For the bumper, I'm willing to charge nothing for it, but will need reimbursement on the shipping.

Let me know on suggestions on what to do with these items folks....

[Mikey444]

Nah...I'm just bored at work and use google alot.

Haha, they pay you to do nothing, you're lucky!

[MadBiker]

OK Guys, got my Atenza Sport 23S. Niiiiiiiiiiiice!!!!! Smooth and quiet, a kitty compared to the WRX wagons I've driven.... will try to post pics sometime this week!!

p.s. anyone interested in a JDM rear bumper??? I have one I can send, but you'll have to pay for shipping, nothing else (damaged bumper but repairable).

and any ideas on what to do with my extra driver side OEM seat? (I bought a Mazdaspeed seat....)

[Da 6]

Ok authentic atenza=RHD right? Heres an opportunity for you(U.S.) to have power passenger seat :) Have a friend who did this in his RX-7 but can't tell you the full detail of what needs to be done for it to work on the 6.

IIRC the AWD N/A 6 is european wagon :)

[Mikey444]

(pics)

[Da 6]

wow I forgot about this thread! We do need picts!

oh..forgot to respond to this...


you get nav over there in japan.. if you ever sell the car, I've got first dibs on it.

with that said.. good luck!! (yippy)

It will be a real custom job cause the shifter is reverse for them...shifter sits on the left side of console and the e brake is on right. You can go even farther and do a full RHD conversion! If I ever get stationed in japan I'm going junk yard hunting!

[MadBiker]

yeah sorry guys, japanese company that i work for makes me work 90 hour weeks... well maybe not 90 but feels like it, not much time for mazda forum unfortunately...

[MadBiker]

Shifter is actually kinda far from the right hand side. It seems Mazda built them for the US, not for Japan. Manual transmissions are not as popular in Japan as they once were....

If any of you guys want pics of a particular portion of the JDM Atenza Sport, let me know and I'll be happy to oblige!

[Da 6]

loving the interior and tails! You have the hatch lid rattle issues?

[MadBiker]

Hi Da6
Hatch lid rattle? Haven't noticed any rattling... yet. I have noticed that there seems to be quite a bit of noise from the wheel well (passenger side = left side in Japan) when going through puddles in the street in/after the rain.

also the cd changer got stuck, need to get it unstuck. but the navigation came in handy on the Tokyo City Highway (Shutoko Battle, anyone?) in my drive up to Chiba from Shiga.

p.s. there's also a dial to change the HID beam angle (4 settings) to prevent shining the bright lights into oncoming traffic when you have luggage in the back (heavy luggage tilts the car) which is kinda cool and necessary in japan.

[Antoine]

Sweet 6 Mad...What line of work are you in? Let me know if you ever swing by the Kansai area! :D Any mods planned?

[Da 6]

Do you have the 6 cd changer or single cd/mp3 player?

[MadBiker]

Antoine, you don't take the train that derailed, do you? that was a terrible tragedy...

The only time I would swing by your area is when I hit Costco's in Amagasaki.... I'm not in sales or anything but do engineering support for Daifuku, a materials handling and transport systems/equipment manufacturer.

Sorry about the pricing info, will try to get that in soon, now that I posted pics...

Da6, mp3 players are slow to take on in Japan, MD players are the mainstream now for the moment (but the iPod is changing things really fast), so I have the 6cd changer plus a good 'ol cassette deck.

[Da 6]

yep sounds like the typical 6cd changer. Take to dealer and pray they send the CD's back in working order.

[Mikey444]

I'm in love with your car.

I remember last year, someone posted on this forum 2 videos of a red mazda 6 J-Spec with RX-8 mags, the vids were out of a movie and in french with japaneese subtitle. The guy driving it was doing all kinds of crazy moves with the car to get away from some bad guys. Was pretty cool.

[MadBiker]

uhoh... those were some of my best ones in there....

but this is Japan, in some instances they are absolutely meticulous about customer property in a car so I might come away lucky...

but whatever there' s always iTunes and what not...


yep sounds like the typical 6cd changer. Take to dealer and pray they send the CD's back in working order.

[MadBiker]

Mikey, thanks for your comments. Gotta go find that thread....




I'm in love with your car.

I remember last year, someone posted on this forum 2 videos of a red mazda 6 J-Spec with RX-8 mags, the vids were out of a movie and in french with japaneese subtitle. The guy driving it was doing all kinds of crazy moves with the car to get away from some bad guys. Was pretty cool.

[Mikey444]

If you find it, last I remember, the links to the videos dont work but maybe someone will remember about it and would post it if they find it else where.

Seriously, congrats on your ride, I am drooling over it. Red on top of that, my favorite colour for the Mazda 6. Enjoy your ride.

[MadBiker]

hmmm, i'm torn between my p5 that my parents are driving and my new Atenza. which should I use for my Avatar?

[MadBiker]

If you find it, last I remember, the links to the videos dont work but maybe someone will remember about it and would post it if they find it else where.

Seriously, congrats on your ride, I am drooling over it. Red on top of that, my favorite colour for the Mazda 6. Enjoy your ride.
Thanks man. It's a beautiful car and really stands out here in JPN 'cause everyone drives a white or silver/gray car and the occasional black. not to mention japanese people don't like sunshine, so there's even fewer cars with a sunroof.

Handling is up there with the WRX's I've driven, but much friendlier. Hugs curves too. Sooo quiet that I forget to shift sometimes....

[MadBiker]

Pricing Info for Antoine (all in Japanese Yen)
Base Price 2,723,000
Rebate -2,500
Taxable Price 2473,000
Mazda Sport Floor Mats 22,600 (expensive but nice!)
Rear License Plate Rim 3,400 (rip off but necessary 'cause license plate is not removable after delivery - stupid Japanese DMV laws)
Mazdaspeed Seat 77,400
Total 2,576,400
Tax 128,820

Dealer and Other Fees
Dealer Registration 38,900
Proof of Parking Spot 16,000
Trade In Fee 6,000
"Recycle" Fee 13,090
Total 73,990
Tax 3,700

DMV Fees
Registration 3,500
Automobile New Purchase Tax 122,500
Yearly Weight Tax 56,700
Mandatory Insurance 39,260
Total 221,960

Grand Total 3,004,870
Which is about $28,082 at 108 yen/$

All these taxes and fees really are very expensive in Japan, so be forewarned, in my case I paid 428,470 yen on top of price of the car.

p.s. I forgot to mention that my dealer also threw in 3 years of oil changes and 2 yrs of Japan DMV inspection.

[Antoine]

Thanks man. It's a beautiful car and really stands out here in JPN 'cause everyone drives a white or silver/gray car and the occasional black. not to mention japanese people don't like sunshine, so there's even fewer cars with a sunroof.

Ain't that the TRUTH! I was just thinking that today!

[Antoine]

Pricing Info for Antoine (all in Japanese Yen)
Base Price 2,723,000
Rebate -2,500
Taxable Price 2473,000
Mazda Sport Floor Mats 22,600 (expensive but nice!)
Rear License Plate Rim 3,400 (rip off but necessary 'cause license plate is not removable after delivery - stupid Japanese DMV laws)
Mazdaspeed Seat 77,400
Total 2,576,400
Tax 128,820

Dealer and Other Fees
Dealer Registration 38,900
Proof of Parking Spot 16,000
Trade In Fee 6,000
"Recycle" Fee 13,090
Total 73,990
Tax 3,700

DMV Fees
Registration 3,500
Automobile New Purchase Tax 122,500
Yearly Weight Tax 56,700
Mandatory Insurance 39,260
Total 221,960

Grand Total 3,004,870
Which is about $28,082 at 108 yen/$

All these taxes and fees really are very expensive in Japan, so be forewarned, in my case I paid 428,470 yen on top of price of the car.

p.s. I forgot to mention that my dealer also threw in 3 years of oil changes and 2 yrs of Japan DMV inspection.

Holy Sh*T MAN! I thought it was expensive but what's up with all those crazy fees? What do your costs come to each month (tax, insurance, car payment, fees etc)?

[MadBiker]

Holy Sh*T MAN! I thought it was expensive but what's up with all those crazy fees? What do your costs come to each month (tax, insurance, car payment, fees etc)?
Aren't you glad you haven't bought an RX-7 yet?

Believe it or not, comprehensive insurance for my new Atenza is the same as it was for the used WRX Wagons I previously owned, about 120,000 yen per year. For a used RX-7, be prepared to pay about the same for insurance. But that's yearly.

I borrowed about 1,400,000 yen so at like 4.5% over 5 years its like 36,000 yen per month. If you get an RX-8 now I think they're still doing the 2.9% interest deal.

I just paid like 45,000 yen for the coming year for the Curb Weight Tax. This tax is a misnomer because it's really a tax on the engine displacement. Since my car is 2.3L, I pay more. A "kei" car that has displacement of like 660cc would be taxed like only 7,200 yen per year. That's why "kei" cars that are turbo'd are so popular. And some of those cars can really zip around.

The other fees are initial purchase fees, like the mandatory insurance and registration/title fees. But they do add up. Even in the US though taxes and fees can add up, but I think you pay an extra 2 or 3 grand (US$) more here in Japan.

BTW, I'm getting very decent fuel economy with the Atenza, but I do drive sparingly (short shifting). A full tank of high octane gas costs me about 7,000 yen for like 55 liters of dino fuel. But I am getting about 700 to 750 km per tank, and I think this time around I might be able to get 800 km to the tank. Not bad.

Oh yeah, I also pay about 5,000 yen per month for parking. Where you live in Takarazuka, don't be surprised if you car parking costs what some people would pay for rent for a very small room, like 3 or 40,000 yen per month if not more. I'm not kidding.

So Antoine, getting a car in Japan may not be worth it if you're going to be here short term. If you move out to the boonies like where I live now in Shiga, then car parking won't be as expensive but insurance is kinda expensive compared to what it would cost in some states in the USA.

If you want a fun car that doesn't have as much initial fees and taxes, a blown Kei car would be nice, but then again you won't be able to buy didley squat at the Costco's in Amagasaki....

So I would definitely research all the costs and then calculate whether you can afford a car where you live. Hope this helps!

[Antoine]

Wow Madbiker, Thanks for all the info...It's cool to meet someone who knows the "lowdown" in Japan and even the "gaijin" havens like Costco's in Amagasaki ;)

Yeah...My contract ends around July '06...If I stay in Japan longer I might relocate to (Osaka...cough gf cough) but I recently visited the "Tango" area...which is a coastal area of small country towns and I loved it...If I stay a while and move to a beach town somewhere...I'll definitely get a ride...everybody has and needs a car in the countryside...plus that's perfect country for driving...it's beautiful!

I'm a car guy at heart so leading a car-less lifestyle for the time being is getting to me...but it allows me to save and setup my future so I can enjoy driving something sweet in the later on :D

Speaking of something sweet...Is the engine tax on the RX-8 high? Isn't the rotary quite small? I've heard of those turbo K cars...like the cappuccino...which one is the best in terms of performance/potential/quality?

If you're ever in the Kansai area let me know...we should meet up! :D

[Killer]

No kidding...great info.!!! So much dinero!!!!

[Brian MP5T]

luck guy

[RallyeRedSi]

car is nice

[MadBiker]

Antoine, I'm actually a Japanese/American dual citizen so I'm not completely a "gaijin" here in Japan, but many of the ridiculosities here do get to me.

I know what it feels like to not have a car, I've been through it when I was in Tokyo 10 yrs ago.

If you really want an inexpensive car solution I would look for a used automatic transmission car - those are cheap and usually in very good condition. Or if you know anybody that is looking to unload a car, since it costs $$ to junk a car, they might consider it a favor if you can take it off their hands. But to do so you'd need to take a day off to get all the paper work done for change of ownership and registration and what not, including creating a "hanko" or chop, that you need to register at the city hall. That's why dealers charge so much for doing registration and title - it's a huge pain here in Japan.

Why don't you visit a Mazda dealership and have them work up an estimate for you (and test drive an RX-8 if they have one)? I don't know what the Engine Displacement tax is for the RX-8. Is there someone that can help you with translation on your visit to the dealership? Also do you have a license here? If you want to drive a manual transmission car here, you'll also have to take the driver test that will allow you to drive a manual transmissin. That's a pain, and for that I would actually go to a driving school so they can point out what the driving test will entail. A 1 hour lesson for an experienced driver will probably be about like 6,000 yen. I went 2x and then took the test and passed on my first attempt. Many people don't pass on their first attempt.

As for Kei cars, I'm kinda biased toward the Suzuki Alto, Works version. But there are plenty others, like turbocharged Subaru kei cars that I hear are very reliable and fun. I haven't followed that market, so for that I would gather information and research. The Demio would be a nice car but it is not a Kei car. Sorry i can't help you much in that respect.

But if you're a car lover, then you should definitely take some time on your weekends and just visit dealerships, used and new, and just find out what's out there! That's the fun part for me, at least, and it would be educational for you as well.

p.s. what line of work are you in? Is your company hiring? I'm kinda disapointed in the company I work for now and am starting a job search anew....

[MadBiker]

car is nice
Thanks man. I like your car too!! What year protege is your car and what mods have you done to it? I don't see that info in your sig....

[MadBiker]

luck guy
Brian, did you mean good luck to Antoine, or are you calling me a lucky guy? whatever, thanks for browsing this thread!