04blue-8

I have an 04 blue 4AT with 47,500 miles on it. I love the car, but I just got back from a mazda dealership. They just got a used loaded GT w/leather package 6MT with 18,500 miles on it. I bought the 4AT used and still owe a little more than its worth. But, the dealer offerend me the 6MT for about 90 more dollars a month. Which is a lot but I got the 4AT for pretty cheap. Would you guy's take the step up? It sure does have a lot less miles.

silverwolf

YES!!! you wont regret it.

04blue-8

Ha. That will make the choice easier. I really regret having bought an automatic sports car.

'87 Turbo II

Yeah, there's nothing like having a manual. I assume you already know that because you would'nt be looking into the purchase having never driven stick. You'll love it so long as you KNOW you can pay for it, what's there to regret?

Fuel4theFury

Well, Turbo. I have never driven stick except for a couple of times and i still need some practice but i am really interested in getting a 6mt rx8 I mean that is the only way to go zoom zoom.

hunter84

90 bucks a month is probably worth it. 6MT w/ leather is sweet. Just make sure that you don't always talk on the $90/month side of things with the dealer. $90 sounds too clean - not over the $100 threshold and he is probably agreeing with you on all aspects as you love the idea of the leather 6MT GT. Know the aquisition cost and watch the rate the dealer is charging - sometimes on negative equity situations that math looks great because all you really pay attention to is the monthy bill - but the dealer on these types of deals where he consolidates your negative equity of the trade, they can slip in a point or a 1/2 point on the rate. What I'm trying to say is he can do it for $75.00 a month but he is making you feel good at $90 because he knows you love the car, and he knows you know you have negative equity.

Do the deal !!! Even if it is $90.00 you'll love the car- but I suspect you will get it for less. Not knowing all the details I could be wrong but what's the harm in trying.

Good luck !!

04blue-8

Thanks guys. All the cars I have had before this one have been manual. I don't know why I bought an automatic. like I said I love the car, even the automatic is pretty fun to drive. But this would be a much better overall experience and more worth my money. Also, hunter84, thanks for the advice the dealer is a good friends father and he wacked $2000 off the marked price (he gave me the price that they mark cars after 60days on the lot). So after all is said and done the car will cost me about $87 more month for a car with a lot less miles and a lot more features.

hunter84

The extra HP and the slick 6 speed are features well worth it. Lower miles is nice too.

Enjoy.

Ike

I say do it, but make sure you don't begotiate based on your monthly payment. The dealer will screw you over.

04blue-8

Yeah, normally I wouldn't but with a friend's dad as the sales man it makes me feel more at ease. But still, you can't trust a salesman. lol

Ike

Find out what the price you'll be paying for the actual RX-8 you're getting (not what the loan amount will be), then come back and talk to us.

04blue-8

Ok. The only thing that I really know for certain now, is that I am financing (total amount) about the same or even a little less than the sticker price that was on the car. I would guess it's around 21,500 for the car.

Ike

What year and what are they giving you for trade on your car?

NotAPreppie

$90 more per month and 18 more months, I'll bet...

Be careful but definitely explore the option to it's end.

OCMarsh

You might do better selling the car yourself and negotiating your own price. Let's say you're paying 350 a month now and you have 3 years left. They offer you 440 a month for five years. In that situation you are paying $14,000 for the tranny upgrade.

Razz1

$90/mnth is a lot.

Are sure he's not coaxing you into the room where he then does not pay off your car in full and adds the difference to the $90/mnth?

04blue-8

Thank you for all your advice! Well first of all, despite the fact that there were better ways to switch cars, I bought the car. They gave me the car at a price of 19,995. I haven't been searching all around town for comparative pricing, but I have never seen an 05 6mt with 18,000 miles for any less than 21,000 around here. Not to mention in comes with leather, sunroof, and every other extra feature besides the Navigation system. What hurt me was the negative equity, I am well aware that is how the dealer made money off of me. But at this point I don't care anymore I love the car and am willing to pay extra for this car.

BlueSky

I'd get a MS3.

'87 Turbo II

Well now you just need to ask an Admin to change your screen name. Enjoy the new car.

04blue-8

Lol. Didn't think about that. thanks

Hej

I assume you're trading the remaining 3 years or so if your '04 loan for a brand new 5 year loan. If that's the case, it's something to consider.

AdRoCK3217

Reading the whole thread = win!