So, I failed to get the loaded-GT-with-all-except-nav car I wanted last year (loan to val was 114%, only 2 months on new job, plus estimated monthly payment of $736). I saved up more money, worked longer on my stable job , and decided to go for sport-package-only.

Went to Wellesley Mazda in MA today, to talk about this car:

2005 RX-8 6MT, winning blue (!!!), sport package, rear spoiler. VIN JM1FE173850154495.

I was straight-up with the salesperson: "I'm a difficult customer. I have the S-plan, so there's no negotiating there. I'm shopping on the trade-in price."

The dealership gave me an okay price for my high-miles trade-in, $5200, I may try to negotiate a little higher, but I am also afraid that the car may be gone.

Invoice on that price, from what I could calculate, is $26807. I calculated the S-plan to be $26,780.00.

HOWEVER, the dealer told me that the S-plan (and showed) on the invoice sheet was 27117, which is $337 higher than what I expected it to be AND is higher than the invoice. I am suspecting some machinations, but $337 isn't that big of a deal. The salesman showed that "SPLAN027177" thing on the invoice sheet.. so it looks authentic. But the invoice showed the same two options: sport pkg and spoiler. Do you think that I can get him down that extra $337 off the S-plan? (but then the S-plan is not negotiable).

I'm also hoping that the dealership is experiencing the end of the month pressure, which will make them more agreeable, if you will.

I'm trying to get the $1000 MNAC rebate.

So my numbers look like this:

the loan to value ratio is based on the invoice price of $26,807. So I'm hoping that with a 6K down (translates to $2200 down on the loan after trade-in negative equity is covered), and an LTV less than 100%, I can qualify for the MNAC financing and get that $1000 rebate.

So do you guys think I'm looking at a decent deal, or should I push the dealer for something else?

Anything that I should check out on that 2005 RX-8? I'm going to check the miles on it (so they are not excessive) and inspect the body for any scratches. But I am not sure what else to look for (I'd have them do the recalls and such before I take the car).

 

Also, it seems that ZoomZoom Live has them handing out $500 rebates towards a purchase of a new Mazda (from the SF Zoom-Zoom Live thread).

Can those rebates be applies retroactively? If I buy a car a week before the event, I will definitely get the car I want, but if I wait a week, who knows, someone may buy it...

 

Don't worry about the car you want. Worry about the car they want to get rid of. You'll find a much better deal. I wanted a blue sports package only. I got a red sport package with mud guards. I got a better deal with no regrets.

Just a personal thing, but I would not trade in a car I was $3800 upside down in. Maybe wait another year and get a deal on a leftover '06

 

Astral- Hold off a couple of weeks- Get the $500 cert. and apply it at the purchase. There will be plenty of Rx-8's in the exact same configuration in mid Sept./ God there are about 10 Mazda dealers from Providence to New Hampshire. I was just looking-tons of cars left. Who are you dealing with. .

 

I haven't talked to Ira Mazda yet, I was going to go there tomorrow afternoon to take a look at one car that they have. It's sport pkg, but no spoiler (which is OK), but it has the spare tire kit. Still, the range I was looking for. I also may visit Quirk Mazda. Only talked to Wellesley Mazda so far.

So is the $500 cert not applicable retroactively? It may just be worth waiting. I'm also afraid that Mazda may not keep the $1000 MNAC rebate (it's only good until Sept 6th).

 

Man, I really want the blue. Like, really really

As far as upside down goes, yes, it makes better financial sense to not let go of my 0%-financed well-maintained Mazda Protege, but, hey, I'm willing to take the hit. If I only bought a stick, I would've kept the car. Instead of the car I wanted, I got the car they wanted to get rid of (automatic) and lived to regret that.

 

What are the chances of the $1000 MAC rebate staying through September?

 

I won't be worry about the MAC cash going away. I will be worry about it is going to increase to 2K if I buy now. The 2006 model is going to be here in couple months, unless all of the sudden everyone want a RX-8, the incentive is going to go up. I remember that earlier this year there was 4K MAC rebate on the 2004s. The selections is going to be less though.

 

$500 Zoom-Zoom Live rebate cannot be applied retroactively and must be presented at the time of purchase. Just called Mazda to ask.

Ah, man, if only the event was here earlier Oh well, I think I'm likely to wait the 2.5 weeks until the event occurs.

 

I just bought it.

 

enjoy...

 

Well Well Well- Hope your happy Congrats and enjoy.