dell

Hi, everyone

I recently visited this forum for fun, and found out tons of great things about rx-8, and some sweet deals going on for 04 rx-8's. So I decided to give my dealer a call, and he tells me that there are few rx-8's with grand touring package.

I am extremely intested in purchasing this car. I have never driven it tho. I currently own a Mazda3s Hatch (a great car IMO). I am thinking trade-in for rx-8. FYI, I owe about 8k on my 3s, and have about 10,000 miles on it, so trade in value would be somewhere in mid 14k (according to Edmunds and KBB).

My question is... how should I go in to dealership to get the best deal possible? What are they steps to take? Should I just tell them that I am paying say "x" dollars, not a penny more? What about getting a fair trade-in value for 3? I know 3 is selling very well (accounts for half of all mazda models sold), so the car is in high demand.

I know I am going to have to make a decision soon... I would appreciate your inputs as to how I should negotiate with the dealer. Thank you very much, and if I get this car, I will definitely post the pictures

jaguargod

Decide how much you want to pay for the vehicle (be realistic), and then go in there and tell them that you want that price. Don't tell them that you have a trade-in until you have gotten their lowest price. Also, check into the Gerber rebate that everyone talks about. Find out if it is still valid, and what you need to do to use it. Like the trade-in, don't tell them about the rebate until you have gotten their best offer first. Be very firm with them. Tell them that you are willing to pay "x" amount of dollars for the car, and not a penny more. If they can't do that deal, then walk out. If they really can do it, they will come after you or call you in a day or two. They will inevitably go to their sales manager and come back with at least two offers that are well above your range, but don't give in. And don't let the finance guy talk you into all the extended warranty/maintenance plan/gap insurance stuff unless you want it.

kraeji

If you are getting an 04 know that the dealers got 4k to get rid of them. Go to edmunds and find out what invoice is. Subtract 4k from that number and don't pay more than that. You should be able to get it much much lower than that for a 04 that's been around this long. Also take into account the mileage. A car that has over 400 is basically a used car now driven by every manager on the lot.

Also wait until they put the offer in writing for the car then say "oh i wonder.. how much would you give me for my trade in?" then see what they say and how much they woudl give you. Check with carmax before hand if you have one in your area to see what they will give you.

Don't be afraid to call a bunch of dealers across the country. Your local dealer will likely compete with them. Mine did.