Ok guys,

I'm going to Scarborough Mazda to check out a new Rx8. I was wondering if you guys can share your experiences. I'm looking for a Ti Grey GT with moonroof (dealer's invoice is about $38k??). I don't think I need any of the other options. I've never bought a new car before.. (I'm a previous owner of a MR2 Turbo). What are some dealer tactics to try to upsell stuff etc. ? Are there anything I should be aware of such as rust proofing, extended warranties, etc ?

Thanks,
- Ken

 

- know your financing before you go! If possible, get a loan through your bank, and avoid dealer financing altogether. If the dealer is offering a discount rate, know what your payments should be and don't let them throw in extras.

- ALL dealer add-ons are a rip-off. Never buy the paint protection, rust proofing, interior protection, window etching, etc. They sell them because they're 90% profit, not because they're good value for the customer. Often, a dealer makes more profit from those add-ons than they do from the car itself. IF you desperately want an extended warranty, don't pay more than 50% of what they initially ask for it.

- If you're not sure about something they offer but are tempted, come back here, post details, and ask about it. Never let them rush you into buying something extra that you hadn't planned on buying.

- Seriously consider getting a clear bra installed, such as that from www.xpel.com . They'll do far more to save your paint than anything the dealer can offer (there are several threads discussing this - search the Canada forum for 'xpel'). Also, be sure to plan on buying a separate set of wheels and winter tires if you're going to be driving the 8 in winter. The OEM tires are summer performance tires, and completely useless in winter. Again, there are several threads in this section discussing our choices from last fall - search for 'winter wheel' or 'winter tire'.

Regards,
Gordon

 

Thanks Gordon..

What kind of freebies did you guys get, or didn't get ? Is it possible to get a new Rx8 GT with moonroof for $38K, or are Canadian mazda dealerships hard negotiators ?

Current finance rate is 5.9%. Current prime is 3.8 + 1 % = 4.8 % from the bank (i think..)


-K

 

If you have good credit history, get a line of credit from your bank. It's generally less than the bank loan rate, and much lower than the 6.9% Mazda will be giving you.

 

Ask to deal with Al Balinsky. He is the general manager of the dealership. Great guy, honest and fair. I bought two cars from Al and was very pleased with his service.

 

Thanks for the tips guys.. Lets see what happens on friday. I'll keep you posted.

 

Freebies - aside from a cap here or there, there wasn't much. Most dealers will give 15% off accessories purchased with the car, which can be very worthwhile if you want splash guards, winter floor mats, rotary accents, side strakes, etc (but know the prices for items you want from the US online dealers like Rosenthal and Trussville, as some items are much cheaper from the US dealers).

I haven't seen anyone post what the Canadian invoice prices are like for the RX-8, but 38K would be 2500 below MSRP. As you said, that's got to be close to invoice - you'd be doing extremely well to get that price! It's hard to say if you're likely - early on (last summer and fall) when supply was really tight, all of us were paying MSRP. This winter and spring, people seem to be getting better prices, but I don't recall anyone getting $2.5K off yet. Now, though, with some 8s on the lot and the '05s arriving in 3 months, you might have better luck.

Please let us know how it goes!

Regards,
Gordon

 

I like the spoiler.. but I don't know if its worth the price. The car's rear is already big.. what do you feel are neccessary accessories ? Cuz I was going get nothing.. just GT w/moonroof. Nothing else.

 

I personally like the Mazdaspeed spoiler...a little sharper than the dealer installed spoiler and it's adjustable. Apparently you can order it color matched ready to install. I have some pictures of the yellow MS RX-8 that DWM Motorsports built to run in the Newfoundland Targa.....I took them with my SLR instead of digital, so I will have to get them processed at Black's before posting. PM me if you would like a copy.

 

Pics would be cool. Way back last year when I was considering the RX8, I really like the X-men wing. I wonder if that's available or not.

 

I have seen pics and listings for the X-Men wing on other threads..do a search and I'm sure you'll find it. I will try to post the MS wing pics on Monday......motocrossing this weekend, no time to develop film

 

Isn't that the one on Lawrence and Birchmount? If so you may not want to go there.... I passed by and wasn't impressed. Thats a crappy area that is situated and they keep their cars on a lot which isn't properly sequestered after hours. As a result, anybody walking by can go fiddle with the cars and thats exactly whats happening because I noticed brand new cars on the lot that have been lightly vandalized (badges ripped off......)

 

Then go buy your car in Yorkville.....that is why you do a pre-delivery inspection!!!!! Who cares where the dealership is located, it's about the quality of service/care you receive from the dealer. I don't live in the Lawrence/Birchmount area, but I have purchased two cars from Al Balinsky and was very happy.

Just my experience, or your lack thereof??

 

Thanks for all the heads up. I'm just going to go for a test drive later today at the scarboro one.. I live in scarboro so it's the closest dealership. For a guy who lives in newmarket, to buy cars in scarboro, there must be a good reason for that.. Thanks for all the support guys ! :D

I'm in no rush.. and If I can't get a good deal, which is all that matters to me, then I walk away. I find another dealership. Or wait until 2005s come in.