I went to Mazda USA and built a sample of what I wanted.
I still have a couple of questions before I make the next move.

2004 RX-8 6 Speed Manual
Base MSRP: $27,200
With Options MSRP: $28,300*
Close Zip 78758

RX-8 6 Speed Manual
6-Spd Manual
250-hp 1.3L Rotary Engine
2-Rear Wheel Drive
SUNLIGHT SILVER M
BLACK (FABRIC) Cloth
SPORT PACKAGE M/T

What should I end up paying $28,300 or offering less before TTL?
What other charges will they add that are necessary?

Other than that I got a couple of things I want know:
1. If I have Stability Control, can I turn it off at will?
2. Can I refuse to have them put on a Front License Plate?
3. Should I start cold calling dealerships or do all of this on the web?
4. What time frame are we talking about if I ordered one today?

Thanks guys!

Troy

 

yes there is a button that you wil l have to push and hold for a few seconds. i think the reviewers said 8 seconds but don't quote me

not if you are in a state that requires one. you would be asking them to do something illegal.

call around and check with dealers to see if any will commit to msrp over the phone. also ask if they have one already on order to your specs. that should narrow down your choices

that depends on whether or not the dealer already has one on order for themselves that they can just put your name on. if not then you are probably talking about the end of the year.

good luck

 

I see you're in Texas. You may want to try the place I'm buying at - World Car Mazda in San Antonio. Phone # is 210-735-6000. Ask for Danny Davila, and tell him Kevin told you he's a straight-up guy! Their policy is to never sell above MSRP. I wrote a check for $500 to reserve the order for me. They are just holding it, and if I change my mind when the car arrives I will get it back. This is a VERY customer-oriented dealership. In fact, they also provide a 10-year/100K mile limited powertrain warranty for free on every car they sell.

I hope this doesn't sound too much like a sales ad, it's just that this dealership was such a refreshing change from the first one I went to. Good luck with your search!

 

Damn I hope my dealer offers that

 

If I remember right if you just push the button then it goes in to a kindof sleep mode where it only comes on if you really get it out of wack, but still comes on, it's a less intrusive mode. And yes if I remember right as well if you hold down the button for 7 or 8 seconds (not sure on the exact time) it will turn it completely off. So you have a fully on, mostly off, and completely off. and to quote you "don't quote me" :D

 

:p smartass

 

Does it remember what mode you are in everytime you start the car or do you always have to disable it everytime you start to car?

-Mr. Wigggles

 

don't know never tried it

what spare tire well?

 

I live in fairfax Va, where your required to have a front license plate. If i asked the dealer to not put it on so I can install it later or something what would they reply? Would they just straight out tell me they can't because its against the law?

 

I'm from Utah and also require a front plate. I don't see how they can require that the front plate holder be put on by them considering that they don't even give you the plate until 3 or 4 weeks later and I've never had a dealership put the plates on for me, they just give them to me and I put them on later. But then again some laws are made to not make sense that doesn't stop me from asking them to not do it. I know on my current miata the plate holder made a small (not very noticable) dimple in the front bumper before I even got the plates. This shouldn't be a problem with the RX-8 since the plate goes completely in front of the grill.

 

In most states with front plate laws, not providing a front plate holder is considered selling a vehicle not properly equipped for travel on state roads.

Most dealers will attach a front plate holder and insert a license plate-sized placard with the dealership name on it which of course can be removed at any time - beats the old decal on the trunk trick...

 

If the car does not have the front plate holder, just ask the dealer to give it to you and not to put it on. They will do what you ask. It's not like you are going to get pulled over and tell the cop the dealer didn't put it on for you. It's your responsibility to have the front plate.

I have now had cars for 3 years with no plate, only was pulled over once for it, and that was a rentacop shore cop. I wouldn't worry about it.

And if they do put it on, it takes about a minute or two to get it off!!:D

ERIK