I definitely think that you should get *something* out of this for the hassle it has been. But that front bumber is easily replaced.

They got back to me today. They'll do the Mazdaspeed bumper but want me to cover the difference. I'm waiting for them to get back to me with the exact numbers before I decide.

Not sure if this counts as a "deal"

I guess that depends on the difference. But it sounds like it might be a positive.

Keep us posted.

I would not buy it. When you sell it or trade it in a few years you will be asked "has there ever been any repairs or paint work on it". Then the dealer will appraise you car for hundreds less.

I special ordered a truck one time and after a couple years, I got ready to trade it in at a different dealer. He told me it had been repainted down the side and he was deducting for that. I told him no it had never been painted and he assured me it had been and stated he could not give me full book price for it. When I told him to put it in writing, about thre repaint, so I could take his statement back to the original selling dealer he backed down and gave me the full book price.

Those car dealers look for many different ways to take advantage of a customer.

A good test would be to go to a few reputable dealers and ask the used car manager what they think about a car that has not been wrecked but has a new bumper assembly that is claimed to be just as good as the original factory item.

There are to many new blemish free cars to settle for that one.

The difference between what? The cost of a new bumper and the MS bumper?

If so, that may not be such a bad deal, as long as they don't tell you something ridiculous like "the replacement bumper only cost $90".

That's a good idea. I'm going to look around and see what people say.

Another good point.

Yup. They're going to call me tommorow with the exact amount

I tried to get them to cover the whole thing, but she started telling me that they don't have any room to move since I'm getting it on the S-plan and I'm getting a Mazdaspeed spoiler at "cost" (which I don't believe... I'm getting it for the Trussville price of $876... I remember some one on this board has a hook-up with Mazda and got the spoiler for $700-something...) As if they're doing me a favor.

Anyway, to make a guess using their pricing "logic", a Mazdaspeed front bumper costs $1290 minus the air dam for $361.20 leaves ~$930 (Trussville prices) . Taking of $600-$700 for the factory bumper leaves $230-330 for me to make up (not including fog light mounting brackets).

They better not charge me for labor. This is work that had to be done either way.

Good analysis Andy.

If you only have to make up about $330 or less, I would go for the MS bumper!

I can't say if you are getting a deal or not, but I would call Russel Automotive (russelautomotive.com) and ask them for their prices on the parts. I bought some 3rd gen parts of them and they were considerably less than the local dealer prices even though they are a mazda dealer.

Dan

Thanks Rob. I hope my analysis lands me in the ballpark and not face-first in the parking lot concrete without an RX-8 to drive home in.

Thanks for the info, Dan. I emailed them to ask about the price of a stock bumper.

Here's the break down they gave me:

(MS Bumper $1310 + Fog light Brackets $160) - (Stock bumper $388 + Front Air Dam $460) = $622 difference.

Well, that's not as cheap as you were hoping for.

At the same time, if the MS front end was something that you were going to do anyway, I would definitely do it! I know I will be getting the MS front end and side skirts, so if I were in your position you know what I would do.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

Does that include labor?

It looks like the quoted you the wholesale price for the stock bumper, but not for the MS bumper. Tell them you want an invoice for it. Make they prove they are paying $1310 for the MS bumper. Cause that seems high for a wholesale price (especially since you found it at trussville for $1290...). Tell them make it $500 and you'll call it even...;) In any case, I would do it man. that is still really cheap for a REAL MS bumper.

Good luck

I agree. I'd do it.

She said labor should be covered, barring any major work specific to the MS bumper outside of what it normally would have cost to put on the stock bumper.

Serff -

You're right that the MS bumper came out $20 higher than I thought, but the front air damn also came out $100 more than I expected. Who would have thought the front air dam costs more than the bumper?

I'm going in tommorow to finalize everything.

What ever happened?

I'm buying it. I talked to a few used car managers and they said it is not an issue. They called me today and said the body shop has the car and the parts. The car should be ready tommorow. Too bad I'm going out of town for the weekend. I should be able to pick it up when I get back.

Thanks to everyone for your input!

Yo Andy, I saw your car!! We took our car in for an oil change/warentee service and it was siting in the lot. Tried to call you but you were already gone from work i guess...Anyway, it looks BEAUTIFUL! The mazda speed bumper is sweet. especially on a black 8. It looks great. I can't wait to go for a ride. It all looked okay to me now. No scratches/dents, etc. I don't know if I really saw the fog light mounts in the bumper though. But I just may not know what to look for there. Sucks you have to leave it there all weekend though. It looked done to me! Talk to you later

I was out of town when she called me to tell me it was ready. I just picked her up today.

Yeah, the fog lights are missing. (There's always something...) They are going to call me tommorow about them.

Alright. I'm off to install my clear corners.

serff-
I'll bring it by the office tommorow. Try not to drool on the leather :)

Hey, that looks pretty damn good!

Hey, you already have the MS spoiler too!

a friend of my dad's ordered an '04 Murcielago from Lamborghini of Dallas a few months back. on its way here (vegas), the trucking company managed to break a mirror halfway off. from what i here this doesn't happen alot but its not rare either. the bumper will be fixed then get your car and enjoy it.