12 February 2008

Mr Doug Dickson

Managing Director

Mazda Australia

Private Bag 323

Mount Waverley

VICTORIA 3149

Dear Sir

Re: Mazda CX9 Purchase

Today we took delivery of a CX-9 Luxury model vehicle, purchased from Penfolds Mazda, Burwood Victoria. (invoice attached)

All went well when we arrived at pickup. Their salesperson Mr Ivan Tang took exceptional care to explain to us all the details of the vehicle over a period of approximately 30 minutes or so. I was very impressed with his presentation.

Until he opened the boot. Then I noticed that the hatch cover – the one that these vehicles all have to cover shopping, or in my case an entire boot full of tools, from prying eyes and thieves – was not present.

Mr Tang said that this was an optional extra !!!

Whilst it was not an optional extra on the CX-7 , nor an any other hatchback car that I have ever come across, apparently Mazda Australia decided it would be an optional extra on the CX-9 luxury vehicle.

And, what's more, it is apparently a $500 optional extra. And I couldn't have one anyway, because “Spare Parts was closed”.

Well guess what. NO WAY JOSE. Not with me it won't be.

That is out and out extortion.

Such a cover is as necessary a part off a basic vehicle as a door or a steering wheel or a seat. I regard the car as unusable without one.

Furthermore, if you do have such a policy, such an essential item being regarded as an extra, then

it should be spellt out as a warning on the side of every vehicle in the showroom in big red letters.

Mr Tang fetched his manager, who basically apologised but said there was nothing he could do.

I have taken the vehicle home as there was no other way for me to get home at the time. However I regard this incident as having ruined the sale. The vehicle is unfit for the purpose for which it was bought – which was to carry goods and personal belongings without them being in full view of all who look in through the window at them.

Please contact the dealer to arrange for an immediate refund if the $57,500 that we paid for it. If this is not arranged by 14^th February, we will go the VCAT with the matter.

Yours Faithfully