Hey,
As the members have suggest, I visited University Mazda in Seattle. I dealt with Barry, whom was of a great help. At first I was looking at the 2009 RX-8 sport / R3 due to the rebate Mazda was offering. However, I realized the 09 sport did not have an LSD so I decided against it. So now it was R3 or nothing.

Barry and I could not find an R3 nearby, and shipping one from Texas resulted the car being out of my price range.

I went back later hoping to get a Mazdaspeed 3. I told Barry that my manual skills are lacking and I am not sure if I can handle the hills in the area; I've 2 hrs worth of experience. As a result, I asked Barry to give me a ride in the car. As we were going for a ride, Barry pulled in to a bank and told me to drive. I asked him if he was sure, he said you need to drive the car before you buy it. Reluctantly, I agreed and to my surprise the clutch was easy to use and I did not stall the car. I proceed with test drive, and the Speed3 put the first big smile on my face since I have been to Seattle, similar to the front-end of the car. As we head back to the dealer, I finally stalled the car, and I tried turning the key but I can't find it. I forgot it is a start-button car, lol.

We did the numbers and I came back to Barry earlier this week. Barry was getting the papers ready, and that night a sudden family situation came up. I was no longer able to afford the car. I contacted Barry the following business day and he was not mad, not angry, and wish me luck with my issues.

I would like to thank the members here for pointing me to University Mazda, and I had a great experience there even though I do not end up purchasing a car. I would also like to thank Barry for the hours he spent with me going through the numbers, for not putting any pressure on me and understanding my family issues.

 

Good to hear, good luck man. Maybe we'll see you back when your life calms down

Speed 3's are great cars. Every time I try and put 2 6ft co-workers in my 8 I silently wish I'd considered them

 

Hopefully! There are so many RX-8s in this area too, or I am noticing them more.

 

Its getting to be better weather...you'll see more.

 

Indeed. Mine just came out of hibernation for some AutoX fun. Now I can't stop driving it.

 

glad to hear you had a good experience. if lee johnson keeps being ridiculous i might switch to u mazda too.

 

ive only had good customer service with U mazda

 

I just had some warranty work done there. No complaints. I will go back when I need something else done.