I will be taking the plung soon (have to change my user name), and am looking forward to paticipating in this forum.
So, is it true? Consumers can get better deals at the end of the year?
I am lucky in that my employer offers the Ford/Mazda X/S Plan for their employees. I'm able to purchase an 8 for just alittle above invoice with the Mazda S-plan. However, I have a trade in and I feel that that is where I can use the end of year sale as leverage. My trade in is a 98 VW Passat. The Mazda dealer I will be working with is a joint Mazda/VW dealer. And of course I'm trying to get the most for my trade.
What do you folks think? Is end of year really a customer advantage or just a myth? Does it only work for certain manufaturers, or models of cars?
Thanks
Al

There's always an advantage at the end of the model year when dealers try to unload their old models to make room for the new ones. Keep in mind, though, that you're not going to be able to do a "custom" order. You have to take whatever's on the dealer's lot.

Why do a trade in? Why not sell it in a private sale? You'll almost always make more money in a private sale, unless the difference is too small to negate any tax advantages.

Year end deals work well when you are buying, say, an 03 when the 04 models are coming out. But when it's already an 04, 'year end' won't happen until the 05's come out. It's usually best to buy at the end of the month, when the dealer wants to get that last deal in for the month. I think winter time may help your cause also, if RX-8s start laying around. I've been in automotive sales for about seven years, so if I think of any pointers, I'll pass them along.

Thanks for your replys.
Newport, yes your right, selling it on the street will be better. However, I thought I would be able to have them jack up the trade in price because of the end of the year. Rather than work on the 8's selling price (S-Plan is fixed). But I will try to sell on the streeet first.
Eighter, Yes, your also right, no deals on the 04 until the 05s come out. But I will take your advise on walking in the show room at the end of month (albeit end of year) and try to work on them. Maybe I can get free mats or merchandise.
Thanks again,
Al