Buy Now or Wait
 

I've finally got a job out of college that pays pretty well so I am finally ready to buy a car, and after a whole lot of research I've decided on the beautiful RX-8. Now since I've waited so long into the year now and most people got their cars in early summer, I'm wondering if I shouldn't just wait until next year. My reasons for waiting are mainly that why buy a car just before winter which are the roughest months in a cars life, and also so I can build up a bigger down payment. On the flip side the longer I wait the less uniqueness factor this car will have, and I'll be stuck in my POS Honda Civic. Just wondering what you all would do in this situation, and if maybe I'm just overthinking it all anyways.

You might check with your dealer on how long it will take to get a car made to your specs. My dealer said it will be months before they can get another car like mine (appearance package, accent package etc.). If it will be 2 to 3 months to get it, I would wait to order for a few months and time it right for early spring -- also may be an opportunity to get the dealer down a little on price. :)

aahhh... but there's the dilemma.. buy now (or near year end) and you might a great deal. buy later (next year) and you'll need that bigger down payment. FWIW, i'm waiting to next year for 2 reasons: 1) it'll be the second model year and 2) hopefully it'll have S-Plan pricing by then.

as far as the wow factor, i live in houston where cars are a pretty big deal and I've maybe 3 or 4 on the road since it's been available (around mid/late July, right?)... these cars are not going to be ubiquitous.

When deciding between buying now or later take the following into account.
1) Mazda's recent college grad $500 rebate program. Make sure you will still qualify for it next year.
2) Are you eligable to join any federal or state credit unions? I just graduated and got a $32k loan w/o 0 down and 4.4% APR from the Maryland State Employee Credit Union. It's better to put no money down because you can probably earn more interest on the down payment through investments. Don't pay the downpayment if you don't have to.
3) How much more are you willing to pay to be one of the first people to own one of the coolest new cars on the road? I think all the stares and attention I've been getting is well worth it.

I was in the same position you're in now 2 months ago. I was deciding between buying a used Civic for $10k, a used S4, or a brand new sports car. I figured I can only enjoy such a nice car and take full advantage of it when I'm young.

I would buy it before registration triples

I didn't but the Datsun 240Z when it came out because I was in Navy training and didn't know if I would go to sea for 6-9 months.
I could have bought the car ($3400) drove it for 3 years and sold it for what I paid for it. You never know, but I sure wish I had bought it still after 33 years. Wait a couple of months go in on the last day of the month to a dealer with one on the lot with money in hand and low ball the sales manager. I didn't let this one get away. Red GT 1000 miles and loven it. My wife was driving it back from the store and even she said I love the way this car sounds. It's the zoom zoom zoom in the commercial.

Umm lets see
I graduated College (May 2003)
Got a decent paying job
Had (Well still have) a civic

I bought it!!!

I love it..

but take this advice.. make sure u like ur job before u buy a car.. I hate my job and im stuck because of car payments.. its good in the sense u wont just quit ur job even if u cant stand it