I'm looking for a good dealer in the Southeast USA to buy an RX-8 from. I'll hopefully be getting one within the next couple of months (after debating for 3 months, surfing this forum, and test driving other vehicles, too). I'm wanting an 8 with the GT package. Anybody get a really good deal down in these parts? I thought $33k, $34k was a little stiff at my nearest dealer. If I could do better, I would like to. If I can't, let me know that, too. Any help would be appreciated. If it's worth anything extra to a dealer you know of, I'm a recent college grad. I know Mazda has a rebate or something but thought maybe some dealers might throw in something extra. Thanks in advance.

 

bump

Anybody read this section? I guess there aren't too many Southeasterners with 8's (outside of Florida). I know I don't see very many in these parts. Maybe $33k is not so bad? Just wanted to give this thread a bump and try again...

 

I believe you can do better.

I used the mazdausa website to find the dealers with the car I wanted. I had no issue travelling to get my car (The dealer I picked was 50 miles from my house and I can name at least 5 Mazda dealers that were closer, but didn't have the car I wanted). I then called them up on the phone to make sure they were willing to give me the price I wanted. I would suggest getting the invoice price(go to edmunds.com). Read the "how much did you pay" thread, get a figure of what you are willing to pay in your head, and tell the dealer you are willing to pay $XXXX, which should be damn near invoice. Don't be afraid to make multiple dealers compete for your business. Let them know you are calling around. Good luck.

dag

 

I was extremely pleased with my invoice purchase just prior to new years at Montgomery Mazda in Charlotte, NC. I even got them to throw in doc fees for free. One of the other two Charlotte Mazda dealerships was - lets just say - less than interested in my money, if they couldn't have all of my money.

 

I had a really great experience with Jim Ellis Mazda in Atlanta. PM me and I'll give you the salesman's name that I worked with. He was great!

 

Call Alan Palmer at Trussville Mazda, Trussville, AL, outside Bham, 205-836-8671. He will work with you and they have several GTs.

Ernest

 

Thanks guys. I'm actually having to wait a little longer than expected to purchase. I'll likely be contacting at least a few of these dealers when I actually buy. I'll let you know what happens.

 

Check Mazda dealer in Cleveland, TN. 423-303-1333, ask for Robert.

 

Go to Edmunds.com and get a TMV report before you talk to a dealer. it's a good fair price and if the dealer you talk to won't match it, you can find another one who will.

www.beatthecarsalesman.com is a good read too. Especially the Care Buyers School.

greese

 

are you reluctant to go to Decatur and deal with Bramelett??? Just wondering. Just got mine last week and having some issues.

 

Yes, I am reluctant. My brother went there looking around at 8's and Miata's. He said the guys were virtually clueless about Mazda, and some of the were "scoundrelly". For example, the salesman he talked to had never heard of the MazdaSpeed Miata, nor had he heard of MazdaSpeed if I remember correctly. The only reason I would go there is to get a price. If their's was lowest, I'd try to get someone else to match it. Unfortunately, their sticker prices are ridiculous...but that doesn't mean they won't go lower, as you hopefully found out. Sorry for the delayed response. My $.02.

 

I can see why now you would be reluctant to go there. I have had the worst experience of my car buying life there. I requested to speak directly with Mr. Bramlett and was told "He does not talke to costomers and hires people to do that for him. " I can assure you that I'll be driving further to H'ville to have mine serviced as they will never get another dime from me. I got mine on the S Plan so in retrospect should have just driven to H'ville and gotten it there.

 

I don't think Bentley in Huntsville is any better. I have been in Bentley Mazda twice this year at the same time of the day and I did not see a familiar face. If I was in the market for a Mazda, I would try elsewhere. Mazda dealers swap around so much in the HSV/Decatur area. Nobody wants the Mazda brand. Jeff Sykes and the Jerry Damson crowd both sold out their Mazda franchises. I talked to Knoxville dealership last December and they seemed ok but I haven't bought a car from them in 20years. I have no experience with Med Center or the Trussville dealers but on this forum the Trussville guys get good reviews.

 

Yes, it is Gray Epperson Mazda... and I got loaded silver (Grand Touring Package) for less than 30k :D
They actually beat Jim Ellis Mazda (VOLUME dealer in N. Atlanta)!!
And if Robert isn't there, our salesman was Jon Zook