Alright guys I'm a 20 year old college student looking to purchase a 2010 RX-8 R3 in Aurora color.

I've been doing research for nearly 2 months now, called at least 6~ dealerships in 2 different cities and about ready to make a purchase in December.

The price quote i was able to land was $6500 off MSRP, but i wanted to know the average price you guys are paying for a Sports MT & R3 Trim. I've checked out KBB and a good price is 29k and a great price is anything lower than that. Average price is 29k~ with invoice @ 30k in my area.

Also would this type of car be right for me? There is a lot of city driving involved... and i heard the fuel economy isn't so great. Average 15 mpg with at least 80% daily driving done in cities and the apex seals need to be lubricated via oil which is why oil consumption is through the roof.

Thanks a lot guys . Hope to be a part of the family soon.
-Mike

If you can afford it, and you have done all your research and understand and accept it, then I'd say it could be right for you!
Have you checked this thread? => http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=202454

Yep, I went through every site possible. Mazdas247 and every other mazda enthusiast forum I could possibly find. Did a lot of research on the car, checked several high end automobile enthusiast reviews, watched tons of videos on youtube, checked competitors, understand the level of maintenance, how the rotary works, possible modifications with this car and nearly everything else I could think of. I've talked to friends, family, and ex-dealership managers about the car purchasing process, negotiation tactics, sales rep extortion methods, and financing/ownership costs.

I'm really hoping to buy this car as cheap as possible. From the looks of it i've seen a price of around 27k+TTL from one owner in these forums, but I'm looking to go beyond that. I understand dealerships need to pay the "bills" but maybe I can find that one dealership that needs to make their quota. So somewhere along the lines of 25-26k OTD is great for me.

A possible option for you then could be to purchase a series 1 rx8 (04-08), and mod it to your specs.
Compare the 2 and find what it is you're really looking for!
Just some food for thought :)

Haha thanks, I definitely thought about it, but i'm a big fan of S2 so i'm definitely going to have to go with the r3!

Oil consumption is through the roof? Yikes, I'd better go check mine.

The hype about the oil consumption and poor fuel economy has been way over exaggerated in my opinion.

it is not a big deal... it does not burn as much oil as some think. the fuel consumption is not as bad as you stated... I am averaging 20-25 depending on how much traffic and how much back road fun I have on that tank....

I burn about 1 quart of oil every 4 tanks (1200 miles)

I am averaging 20-25 depending on how much traffic and how much back road fun I have on that tank....

I call :icon_bs: unless you're on the highway most of the time...

I live in east tn so its not as much stop and go as nyc or Atlanta but we live in down town knoxville. So its a good mix. I filled up this morning... 19 mpg ... you can call bs all you like....

I have a 40 minute commute 80/20 hwy city .... but my commute home is stop and go.

were the oil maintenence, which salesmen don't elaborate on, and the dismal mpg for such a small, light car. In a perfect world, for me, this car should get 25 mpg with 300 hp. I can watch the oil and keep some in the trunk. Still trying to decide on one, but it will be an R3 in v red if it happens...:scratchhe

may be your lucky day?
I have a VR 2009 R3 with 9,500 miles on it. It is a salvage car (low flood -water just over the seat rails) as insurance company's will now total a car when there is only a small amount of damage.
The car has been fully repaired and it didnt need much. Still smells new. The water did not even touch the seats. Runs strong and perfect. Even has the oprional spare tire+ all the other R3 features. Beatiful car. You will not find a better deal anywhere. Plus no sales tax!
$14,500.
I live in Ga

I did see it listed. Tempting. I just don't know what headache it would be in OK to tag. Going through a divorce right now doesn't help. I tested an 09 three days ago with 22k on it, and they wanted 22k for it. First time I ever sat in one. I was really impressed. The new one on the floor is VR and stunning. I could sell a couple of toys and get it, but they hold their value. I am dating again, with a woman who wants me to have one if I wish, without selling my toys, so this could happen in the next year or so.

Hey guys I'm back. I'm getting ready to make a purchase this month while incentives are ocurring and deals are best. I wanted to know how much a car depreciates after a year.

1. Is it 15-20%?
2. Does this mean dealers are forced to take a loss anyway after it's the new year?
3. Would they go for a loser deal just to finish strong this year for a bigger bonus?

Most of the negotiations on R3 have been over the phone and I've gotten only 26.5+ttl. Other dealerships won't beat and would just match. I've clearly shown my interest and I'm getting post quote calls bc they seem desperate to move, but I feel I can do a lot better especially this time of year

I'm actually surprised you are getting the deals you've been offered on the R3. There were great deals available for MY2009s, but Mazda brought in FAR fewer cars in subsequent years. The most aggressive dealer in my area, price-wise, never listed their R3 for less than $28k and change. They only had one all year. This year, same deal, only one.

As for Mazda, I think the current incentives are $1k in marketing support and 3.9% financing. Best deal I saw last year was one dealer selling a new one year old R3 for $25k. Car was gone before I could even get to the dealership.

found a dealership near Chicago with 3 2010 R3s letting them go for 25k. Kinda weird since I don't see any major rebates posted on Mazda's website yet. Must be one hell of a dealer kickback going on this car.

^Factory to dealerships 3500$ rebate going on right now. 25k + TTL? I need to check this out

^Factory to dealerships 3500$ rebate going on right now. 25k + TTL? I need to check this out

Schaumburg Mazda...I think there were 2 VRs and 1 Aurora Blue.

I looked at the Mazda website and all I see is 3.9% financing for 2010/2011 RX-8s, no factory money. Where did you see the $3500 factory money???

Right now the RX 8s are in the list of 10 worst selling cars for this year.