Hello everybody. Lots of very nice, helpful things on this forum, I'm looking forward to a nice, extended stay here.

Right now, I'm looking for a 2005 Mazda RX-8 GT with leather and a stick. I don't care so much about the navi system, but the leather, spoiler, and sunroof aren't negotiable.

I went to Green Bay, Wisconsin (over Spring Break) and got a feel for what they were offering. The cars all retailed for $32-33k, and with all the incentives they offered, they would go no lower than $29k.

After much reading on this board, I've come to the conclusion that this is far too much. The dealerships I went to said they have a hard time believing anyone got a 2005 new for 5-8k under sticker, and said there's no way they can go that low.

I go to college in Minneapolis, and recently sold my 99 Firebird, and am planning on ditching my 00 Grand Am GT for either a 2005 RX-8 or a 2006 Civic Si. I just can't bring myself to wanting a Civic, but the price is nice.

Where can I find these 05's that are 22-25k like you're all finding. I don't mind travelling, and while I may get flamed for this, my parents are helping me out slightly for this, and I don't want to put any more of a burden on them if I can.

More importantly, I don't want to be ripped off.

Anyways, send me some thoughts, and I hope to get to know you all better!

-Mike

 

I would say to start searching inventories on Mazda's website and then calling the dealerships with the cars you are interested in to see what kind of price quote you can get. The 2006s are starting to be unloaded at dealers this weekend (at least on the West Coast) so you may be able to get better deals that way, too.

By the way, I am able to get a brand new 2006 (due to be mine within a week) for $3K below MSRP plus whatever discounts I am eligible for come off that price. I think the salespeople you talked to are being ridiculous.

 

I was also a little shocked, and perturbed. The dealer I went with in my dream Winning Blue, GT, Leather, 6-speed, Aero package RX-8 with 25 miles on it wanted me to hammer the car. I was just taken aback.

I said, "Do you honestly expect me to pay you 29 grand for a car you're telling people to hammer with 25 miles on it, when you're supposed to break it in? Gonna have to come down more than that"

They said "Well, they're already priced close to what we paid to buy them, so we're not making much of a profit, so I can't imagine anyone getting a real one without problems for 22-26k.

How do I work the thing on the Mazda Site, BunnyGirl?

 

On the home page click on "search inventory" on the left hand side. It will ask you for a zip code and then you can select what vehicle you want (not sure of the exact order). You search over a 150 mile radius (possibly up to 250). Not sure.

Good color choice. My car (2006):

Winning Blue
6-Speed Manual
Black Leather
Grand Touring Package
Appearance Package
Rotary Accent Package
Navigation System
Alarm Shock Sensor Upgrade
In-Dash 6-Disk CD Changer
Rear Wing Spoiler
Spare Tire Kit
Fender Strakes

It's mine within a week, as soon as the dealer unloads it, inventories it, and preps it.

 

You have a real winner there. Everything I could possibly want in the car.

I would love the fender strakes, aero kit, and navigation system, but I'm afraid it will knock the price up to something I can't afford.

I didn't get many results on the Mazda page, most within distance of me were all priced in the 30k range.

I've been doing google searches, and coming up with some, and I see ones that are from Texas and such.

I dunno, I figured this seems like a very good board, and I might be able to get some decent connections with some people from other parts of the country.

Not sure how expensive it is to ship a car, but if the price is right, I'd have it done if I could get the car loaded for 22-27k.

Upload some pictures when you get the car, can't wait to see it.

 

Shipping is around $800 (looked into it in October before I decided on a special order instead). The websites are only showing you MSRP prices, not what the dealers themselves will knock the price down to with incentives and discounts so it wouldn't hurt to call them still if you find something you like.

 

Thanks for the heads up in that regard; wasn't aware it didn't list it.

What would be the ideal thing to be asking them? What should I be saying? I don't want to come across sounding like I'm lying just to try to get a good deal, but I am trying to get a good deal on a car that otherwise would be out of my price range.

 

Well, I'd start off by asking them what they were asking for it first, and then ask about what kind of incentives they can be give on it, especially since it is now considered a year old or more now. The 2006s just hit dealerships on the West Coast (can't guaranteed they are unpacked and on the lots yet, but the first batch left port for dealerships on Monday, so they are here). Point out that the 06s have arrived if they are going kind of high.

I'd be aiming for about $27K range as a "good" price. If you can do better, that is great. I think it just depends on what part of the country you are in for what kind of deal they are willing to give you.

I happen to be getting my good deal since I am using the Costco program. However, I know that Wisconsin doesn't have a Costco so you don't have that option (majority of all my relatives live in Wisconsin).

 

I am from Upper Michigan (two hours north of Green Bay/Appleton) but I live in Minneapolis for school.

I am willing to drive for the car if it's a good enough price, I think that would all but make up for it, no?

Which areas of the country seem to be offering these massive incentives? It seems the ones around here are all baffled as to why a dealership would do that.

Granted, my father and I haven't sat down and talked busines with them, yet, but nonetheless, they seemed pretty unwilling to go lower than 4500.

If there seems to be an area of the country that's offering these deals, I'm getting the feeling its on the east and south coasts, but I'm not sure what areas to start looking. I'll start calling the dealerships around me though.

This almost seems like Easter: finding the eggs with the treats inside, as a child.

 

A week or so ago a dealership in the Chicago area was selling 05s at $8K off MSRP. The dealership where I am getting my car from sold one for $5K off MSRP. I don't know why the dealership is being that tough with their prices, unless they didn't think you were serious about buying and being able to afford the car. You might get a better idea of where to get good deals from others on here tomorrow since it is kind of late.

 

Yeah, I'm seeing what others are going to say tomorrow, but your advice and quick responses made me feel good about it tonight, so I definately appreciate all your help so far.

Do you happen to know of the name of the Dealership by Chicago? I remember scanning threads and seeing one by Evenston (or something like that).

They probably see a 19 year old male, and his mother coming in, and automatically assume that it's just a kid trying to convince his mother to let him have a sports car, or that we're not serious, when we really are. They made it sound like they'd be taking a huge loss offering it any less than 29k.

 

I can't remember right off but I'm sure someone else does.

This is actually my first car I will own (at 25). I've driven lots of other people's vehicles while they were in them but this is my first car that is mine to drive by myself. A lot of times I don't think I am taken seriously because I look younger than my age so I am sure they don't think I can afford what I am looking at. Of course, wearing a mini skirt always helps. I don't think you can get away with that look!!! Sadly, not too long ago I was carded at an R movie!!!

Don't let them kid you about their price. Invoice is less than $29K on the options you listed. They pay less than invoice (not sure how much, varies greatly depending on the vehicle), plus they then make money back from the company on how many they sell. They can do $27K without much problem.

 

Your last comment just reminded me, be sure that they get all of the protective shipment goo out of the door jambs, hood and trunk area.
The goons that did mine did a ****-poor job.
I did it myself, took a weekend.
I dunno if it was the black paint or just the goo, but it was not pretty...


Welcome Mike! (from one Mike to another),
Although it involves some travel, check out some dealers in the eastern & midwest high sales areas, like PA, NY, MI & FL, big discounts since some are having trouble clearing out the 05's.

I purchased all options including the Nav, I like her voice.
Gave back the 18" chromies for the silver alloys.

 

I forgot to mention Chicago, thanks...

 

Thanks for the warm welcome, Mike.

My family is from Upper Michigan, and I have relatives in the Detroit area, so that shouldn't be a problem.

However, factoring in time to call and see these prices is another issue altogether.

The Navi, like I mentioned earlier, would be an amazing addition, but at 2k extra, I'm a bit worried that'll pop my price up substantially, even given the heavy rebates.

Right now, I'm mainly looking for a Winning Blue, black leather with sunroof and spoiler, 6 speed RX-8. The Aero package is optional, and the rotarty accent package would be nice.

I'm scared to become too picky this late in the season, though.

 

Good luck on your shopping.
Try to narrow down the cars from the dealer websites if you can, less tension & time on hold.

 

The dealer in Evanston Illinois probably has almost nothing in stock to choose from. But, you can try their sister dealership in Countryside, Il. They're advertising $7000 off plus 1000 rebate for financing with Mazda. Give 'em a call and see what they've got. It's way worth the 400 mile drive to say at least 3 grand.

 

That's absolutely insane. I can't believe they're offering so much off!

It is absolutely worth the 400 miles there for that kind of pricing.

I'll have to give them a call.

 

Has anyone dealt with this Autobarn in Countryside, Il?