memrie

Hey all,

I've been on the market for an RX8 for some time now. I've seen ads in the Star with leasing specials from Hubler and Tom Wood. I am leaning more towards leasing as it is a better option for me right now. On with the questions...

Does anyone have a dealer preference?

Are these leasing specials shown at $299/mo and $349, not specifing 8 model or tranny (both without tax, title and small down payment, I think around 1-2K, 48 mo. lease, 12,000miles) a good deal?

If so, should I go in willing to buy at that price only, or try to work out a better deal and negotiate the car price first?

Thanks for your help,
Mike

bcrothers

Mike,

I bought 8 from Tom Rousch in Westfield.

Those prices are for low milage lease on 8's with very few options.

My 8 is Winning Blue with all the options including NAV system. Cost me $32,500 out the door. Not an awsome deal, but a solid fair one to both the dealer and me.

Rouch is also a dealer I've bought 4 other vehicles from...they have earned that loyalty.

Bob in Indy (Noblesville actualy)

memrie

Bob,

Thanks for your response. I am in the market for the same car as you have purchased, minus the NAV system... even down to the color.

I have talked to Tom Rouch and Wood the past few months, committing to nothing, yet. Right now I am getting Hubler in the mix.

Tom Wood, back in February, gave me an estimate of a purchase price around 29-something, if I remember correctly. My salesman beleived he could get the leases montly payments down to $330/mo. after a down payment of 3K, I beleive. I can't find that paperwork that I kept (my scribbles from the "negotiation").

I supose I'm wondering how close to that $299 lease deal I can get for the GT package w/o NAV. I'd like to beleive I can get a a bit closer since it has been a few months since I last spoke to my salesman. Of course, I'm sure I'd still need a larger downpayment than the average lease to get that price, but who knows.

Thanks,
Mike

WHealy

Mike,

Shop for best price. Then shop for best lease payment. Each delaer in town will have different stuff driving their current pricing. Rousch's inventory seems to be down some so they may be pretty close to MSRP. And begining of hte month means less wiggle room. Check around with all the dealers. If you don't havea trade, call aroudn the state. I did even with a trade and made out better.

Oh and yeah I'd just about bet those lease deals are on no options 8's that are the least expensive. I recall talking to a Hubler guy trying to see the oil cooler covers which are only on the base 8's saying they only reason they stock the base is to advertise good lease prices.

Good luck.

memrie

Interesting. Thanks WHealy.

I think this week I will begin to deal with the Mazda dealers in Indiana via email/internet. Get pricing from each one. I am being picky about the car and options I want and already know that they will have to have the 8 transported here. I just don't want someone else to drive it but rather is be on a trailer.

Rousch has been good to me so far, at least the guy I have been dealing with the past few months. I go there every other month or so to browse the lot to see whats there, and the salesman knows exactly what Im looking for, but of course he shows me ALL the options :-) Maybe in addition to emailing, I'll give him a call to negotiate a price over the phone.

Thanks,
Mike

keynote22

Hubler was at the Revolution, tell them you were an attendee and they may give you a deal.

Sunflower Mazda was also at the Revolution. Call them and ask for Larry Smith. Tell him you were at the Revolution and I know they will hook you up. They might be a bit far, but if you can save big $$ for a fun drive, why not.

http://mazda.sunflowerautomotive.com/index.asp


Case in point on my new truck...Indiana dealer, $22k. Louisville dealer, $19k. Penn dealer $15k..it was an 8 hour drive one way but I saved a lot of money...BTW the truck in penn was much nicer than the other 2.

memrie

Keynote22,

Thanks for your response. I'm going to give Sunflower Mazda a call. I don't want to lie and say I was there, in case they ask any specific questions, but I will work around that. As for the drive, it will be nothing. I can find a cheap flight to KC and drive to St. Louis (where I'm from and parents still live). It would be perfect.

Thanks for the references,
Mike

bcrothers

Mike,

What is WHealy said is very true: Shop for Price then worry about payments.

Other things to be carefull about in a lease is how many miles per year? Do you realize how few miles 12,000 is? I've got 15k/year.

Also, what is the term? 4 or 5 years is a very long time. Especialy if Mazda Speed comes out with a hot Super/Turbo charged 7 in a year or so.

How much do you drive? It is VERY expensive to go over your yearly alotment.

At Rouch, talk to Jack and tell him I sent you...unless you already like who you are dealing with.

Bob

memrie

bcrothers,

Thanks for everyones help... one of the reasons I love this forum and continue to be infactuated with the 8.

I currently am driving a company car. Gas, Insurance, everything is paid for. 12,000mi. would not be enough if I had a commute in my own vehicle because I do try to get back to St. Louis when I can.

Here in town, there is no car that matches my criteria... GT, winning blue, appearance pkg, and spoiler, w/o spare tire and NAV. Though I have found in Clarksville outside of Louisville, a dealer with 3 of those cars, as listed on Mazda's and the dealers website.

Should I try calling them before continuing with Rousch? And if so, should I be direct in asking for invoice price or try to go lower.

This will be my first car purchase so I'm asking alot of Q's, but I appreciate everyones help again.

Mike

WHealy

Mike,

I bought my at Clarksville @ Craig ... (whatever the two name name was). No problems dealing with them. They even did my trade over the phone.

memrie

That's the dealer I located. I'm glad to hear there were no problems... I think I will pursue them first. I have no trade, as I sold it at the new Carmax on 96th St. the first day it opened.

I had a 97 sunfire in great condition but it wasn't/wouldn't get anything because there are 04's going for 8K after rebates. I did get 3K though, which I thought was good, considering it was getting offered 2500 by Rousch and Tom Wood.

Mike

WHealy

Mike,

If you need a contact I can dig up the guy I delt with. He's one of the partners .. and no his name isn't one of the dealerships names ... go figure. Just let me know.

memrie

That would be great! I would very much appreciate that.

BTW, there are 28 RX8's on the lot. I should be able to get a deal at invoice shouldnt I?

Mike