Came home from the dealership

[Big-Ben]

And yet, still no 09 MS3 GT in our garage.

So I went to 3 different dealership with my aunt; 2 of them I like. The other try to rip me off and try to be in the upper hand.

The invoice I got from dealership (1) - 24,299. Dealership (2) - 24,752. Dealership (3) - 24,172.

Now I'm 20; First time buyer. Most likely will go with the 60 month plan.
Dealership (3) have calculated that I will be paying 617 - 642 / No money down.
I'm hoping to put at least 2G's down.

Anyway, should I get it now, or next month?
I will be going out of state for Christmas until 4th of Jan.

I'm scared that the white version would be gone by the time I come back; AND MIGHT wait for another one.

D(1) - Will only get shipped to them if I'm going to buy from them.
D(2) - Already have them in their stock
D(3) - will get their White version next week on Monday.

Any tips I need to know (still)? Perhaps get some freebie add-ons; Like tint?
Should I be comfortable with the price I was given?

I do apologize for the long read and questions.
Do help me, I wish to be an MS3 enthusiast soon.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Speed3Rookie]

Welcome to the site.
Those are not bad prices. Did you check Edmunds.com?
Have you taken the cost of insurance into account?

[intak3_bLkMs3]

im 18 fuck insurance go for it haha

[08MicaSpeed3]

Depending on the rate, for every $1000 you put down deduct $20 from your monthly payment. It will give you a realistic idea of what you would be paying... of course the lower the rate the less money you take off. All of those prices sound pretty fair. The mark up over invoice really isn't that high on the Mazdaspeed 3. Where you can play with them is what rate they will give you and package add ons like extended warranty, free oil changes and inspections.

Good Luck with your purchase, you will love the Speed3... I love mine.

[mr_mazda329]

Try getting a loan from the bank. You will get a better rate and lower mo. payment and try to get a co-signer too. When you go in to buy the car, focus on the price of the car first. Don't go any higher than 60mos. And don't go any higher than $2500 down. Thats a lot of money to throw down. And don't accept their 1st 2nd 3rd offer and act like you are going home to think about it overnight. They will def drop the price a little more thinking they are about to lose a sale.

[Big-Ben]

Yeah, I think I'll do a bluff about "thinking" it over again.
Though I might wait until early Jan '09 to get one.
Not really in rush, but I sure hope I don't wait too long.

[Mike240SX]

I paid MSRP for my '08 GT. With taxes/reg fee, it came to just under $28k out the door. I put $1000 cash down and got $300 for a trade, and my minimum payment is $463.xx a month for 72 months.

[Sphincter]

IMHO I think you should try to get it this month, dealerships are crying for business and being it's the end of the year they are trying to meat the quota. Don't just go in there and lay the cards on the table. Act sort of uninterested and find something that you "don't like" about the car. Definitely don't accept any of their first offers, cause they will try to butt rape you at first. I went to buy this car last month, and they tried to screw me, so I walked away three times. On the 1st of December they called me again throwing offers at me, so I went a week ago and walked out with an amazing deal. I'm 22, first time buyer as well, they gave me $3K for trade (at first they wouldn't go more than $2K), I'm paying $400 for 2008.5 GT with GAP and wheel protection. Good luck, and hopefully it'll work out good. I'm glad I got mine, I freaking love it.

[blueprotegelx]

I congratulate you first off by asking for advice when it comes to the financial aspect of buying your first car! My parents basically said stop using our car even though I was trying to save for a car, and sent me to only one dealership (Used Ford Dealership!) Basically I was ignorant at the age of 18 and my parents did not help me. I ended up with my Protege since it was on their lot and despised my choice after that when I did the research and realized I got ripped off. Basically, I accepted their first offer and paying 11,700 for it. I put down 2500 and my payments were 275 a month for 3 years. I paid it off as soon as I could (2 years.) Actually I only had 2k to put down and then they called bank (supposively) and said I needed an extra 500 before I could get the car, I was completely oblivious and accepted it.

[CosmoMS3]

December is the best time of the year to buy a car. I would not wait till January. Especially with the low sales most dealerships had for 2008, I think you have the upper hand.

[mr_mazda329]

Definately buy in December. What everyone here has said about buying before the new year is true. OP, make sure you get the GAP insurance. It will tac on a lil to the price, but it worth it to not have to pay on a dead horse.

BTW, Sphincter Wheel protection rules. It will cover the loss of my wheels being stolen, including aftermarket ones.

[UHATEIT]

to be 20 and be approved to buy a car of this price range, congrats. Even with perfect credit at 20 i wasn't approved for anything over 13K.

Maybe dealerships are very desperate to snag buyers in an economy like this.

[TheDoc]

642 a month for 60 months??

And you're twenty... which means even with a clear drivin record you're going to be paying 200+ a month in insurance.. damn, man.

My advise is wait till Jan and put together atleast a little downpayment. Don't be scared of a car not being there when you go to buy it- limited production or not a dealer will find a car for you- that's their job.

[zim]

definitely get a nice down payment. it helps so much. I put down $5k on my 08 sport and I'm paying $345/mo and my insurance went down to $106/mo

[CrazyT]

According to my calculations, $632 for 60 months with zero down puts you at a 20% APR, which to be honest, is absolutely ridiculous. Since you are twenty, you probably don't have very good credit history (as in time you've had a credit rating). This is probably why you've got a rate so high. Right now, I won't by a car with a loan greater than 5%.

Over the next five years you will pay the loan company $13,200 just for giving you a loan. $238 of your $642 every month is going to the loan complany, not the principal.

#1 Advise - DON'T RUSH IT. The dealer will say they have a buyer coming in. THEY DEPEND ON EMOTIONAL BUYING. Think it through. They can always order you one. That's what I did with my Black GT.

#2 If you get along with your family, see if they can co-sign on a loan. This will allow you to use their credit score to get a better loan.

#3 Maybe right now is not the best time for you to get a new car. Cars are not everything, and just because everyone else has a nice new shiny car doesn't mean you have to. The 'keeping up with the Joneses' is why we are in an economic crisis, don't forget. I'm ~30 yo and make ~90k a year. I just got rid of my 23 year old car and bought this. $642 a month for FIVE YEARS is a lot of money. You are in your prime years, and next year when you are 21, you are going to need all that extra money to buy drinks for all the cute girls. Staying at home because you have no spare cash is a bummer, no matter what cool car you got. Price out insurance, as well. Keep in mind that depending on the loan company, you will have maximum deductibles, usually $500. This can make it pricey.

#4 Buy used. You can get a MS3 for several grand cheaper than new. May not be white, but look at your priorities.

Good luck to you. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders by asking the questions all ready. The dealer will try to 'hook' you by talking in terms of monthly payments. Avoid this. Talk in rates and terms.

Edit: Just re-read your original post. You plan on putting 2k down, which is good. The bigger the better. Putting 2K down with the rates already suggested lowers your monthly payment ~$55 and you save ~$3.2K when the loan is payed off.

[martin_nj]

i got my 09 for 23,300 +tax, title, etc

i'm 24....

i got 7.9% apr with 5,000 down

i financed 20,000 after all was said and done am payin 425 a month

[Big-Ben]

I actually have a great credit score -- always pay on time + the whole payment. I think the salesperson only calculated it to the worst case scenario. So I know it'll decrease once he's able to check my account.
Hopefully my APR won't be that high. I wish to have it at least around 5%.

I wish I can find a co-signer but my aunt (who I went to) is thinking of getting a new car herself. My parents or anyone I know couldn't either.
So I was told by my family to do a refinance after a year or so.

Edit:
I haven't test driven the car yet, but when I sat on it and mess with the clutch, I'm having trouble putting it on 5th; It get stuck somehow. Is this normal? Should I expect this on 'my' GT? This car was a Sports edition in the show room.

Edit2:
Thanks for the advice guys. Really helps me.

[CrazyT]

I actually have a great credit score -- always pay on time + the whole payment.


Unless you had a credit card and some type of loan when you were 15, you don't. It's just how it goes. You need "history" to have credit history. It may not be bad, but it's not good.

Another thing, you went to the dealer and 1) didn't drive the car and 2) let the dealer give you 'worse case' numbers. YOU need to be in control of the situation. Let the salesperson work for you. Tell him what you want. Unless you couldn't produce a valid Drivers License, there is no reason why you couldn't drive one. I'm not trying to sound insulting, just trying to help out. Most of us learn from experience the horrors of high interest loans and "predatory" lending, and no one should have to experience that.

Also be wary of stupid fees. Look out for loan origination fees and what not.

Edit: If you are serious about purchasing a car, don't worry about letting several companies (banks/dealer) run your credit score. Your score will not be affected by the multiple credit reports if it's within a short time period ( a month or two), as it's considered shopping for a loan.

[Big-Ben]

Unless you had a credit card and some type of loan when you were 15, you don't. It's just how it goes. You need "history" to have credit history. It may not be bad, but it's not good.

Another thing, you went to the dealer and 1) didn't drive the car and 2) let the dealer give you 'worse case' numbers. YOU need to be in control of the situation. Let the salesperson work for you. Tell him what you want. Unless you couldn't produce a valid Drivers License, there is no reason why you couldn't drive one. I'm not trying to sound insulting, just trying to help out. Most of us learn from experience the horrors of high interest loans and "predatory" lending, and no one should have to experience that.

Also be wary of stupid fees. Look out for loan origination fees and what not.

Edit: If you are serious about purchasing a car, don't worry about letting several companies (banks/dealer) run your credit score. Your score will not be affected by the multiple credit reports if it's within a short time period ( a month or two), as it's considered shopping for a loan.

Those numbers aren't final. I just stopped by to see what their 'offer' is (invoice and what not). But if I'm about to purchase it and talk about numbers, then I'll make sure I have the best deal I can get.
Of course I'll do a test drive first.

The reason why I found out about my credit score was because I opened an account in another bank and they showed me my score (which is an A).
But yeah, I've been building my credit since a year ago or two. I forgot, but in any case, I was told and I saw that I have a good score.

[MS3Pilot]

sounds good to me, my car was just over 27k with taxes, title, registration, and misc. dealer bullshit fees. 9k down and the pmt is $390/month.

[zim]

CrazyT, you're got some great advice.

[stockms3]

hmm i paid cash for mine :D

[BillTheCat]

CrazyT has a ton of good advice there.

Big-Ben, anyone who gives you a letter grade, like "A" as your credit score is selling you a bill of goods. Credit is not rated with letter grades. It's a numerical score. Some states, like Florida, require all of the major credit rating services (Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax) to provide residents one free credit report per calendar year (if requested). Might be worth checking your numerical credit score with all 3 services before you go for serious talks with the dealership.

I paid about $22k for my 09 MS3 Sport in September. Traded even for my MINI, so no gain/loss there. I threw in $1k down, I think, and they included gap insurance & a 7 year/100k mile warranty at no extra cost. I forget my interest rate (5-7% range), but it worked out to about $430 for 60 months. (Conveniently, I put about 20k/year on my car, so that 100k warranty should last me until about the time it's paid off)

At 20 years old, I have no idea how much money you make. But $600/mo would KILL most 20 year olds. Heck, I make about $60-70k now, in my 30's, and the thought of a $600 car payment makes my sphincter clench up. I know that's not their "final" offer, but make sure that you can afford the payment comfortably, because the first time you get in a money crunch & miss a payment or two, they'll be all too happy to repo that car right from your driveway.

Just be sure you have food & shelter covered first, because your MS3 won't be comfortable enough parked down by the river, like a 1975 Chevy Van would.

Oh- one last tip that CrazyT didn't mention. Make sure you get a simple interest loan. Simple interest means that for the entire life of the loan, the payments you make will go X% to interest and Y% to principle. This ensures that they don't front-load the loan with interest-only payments while your principle stays put until the 2nd or 3rd year when your payments start applying to principle. Sucks to have a 2 year old car & still owe full MSRP on it because you've paid nothing but interest so far.

[CrazyT]

Some states, like Florida, require all of the major credit rating services (Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax) to provide residents one free credit report per calendar year (if requested).

I think it's a federal thing... but anyway, good advice for everyone on the forum. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com This is the best site, but I think they try once to get you to sign up for something. Click on the 'no thanks' at the bottom. You can select what company to get a report from. The are typically all the same, so I would recommend using one company now, and then 4 months from now use another, then another 4, use another. Avoid anything that asks you to sign up and pay for services. You shouldn't have to pay a dollar.

[Big-Ben]

CrazyT has a ton of good advice there.

Big-Ben, anyone who gives you a letter grade, like "A" as your credit score is selling you a bill of goods. Credit is not rated with letter grades. It's a numerical score. Some states, like Florida, require all of the major credit rating services (Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax) to provide residents one free credit report per calendar year (if requested). Might be worth checking your numerical credit score with all 3 services before you go for serious talks with the dealership.

I paid about $22k for my 09 MS3 Sport in September. Traded even for my MINI, so no gain/loss there. I threw in $1k down, I think, and they included gap insurance & a 7 year/100k mile warranty at no extra cost. I forget my interest rate (5-7% range), but it worked out to about $430 for 60 months. (Conveniently, I put about 20k/year on my car, so that 100k warranty should last me until about the time it's paid off)

At 20 years old, I have no idea how much money you make. But $600/mo would KILL most 20 year olds. Heck, I make about $60-70k now, in my 30's, and the thought of a $600 car payment makes my sphincter clench up. I know that's not their "final" offer, but make sure that you can afford the payment comfortably, because the first time you get in a money crunch & miss a payment or two, they'll be all too happy to repo that car right from your driveway.

Just be sure you have food & shelter covered first, because your MS3 won't be comfortable enough parked down by the river, like a 1975 Chevy Van would.

Oh- one last tip that CrazyT didn't mention. Make sure you get a simple interest loan. Simple interest means that for the entire life of the loan, the payments you make will go X% to interest and Y% to principle. This ensures that they don't front-load the loan with interest-only payments while your principle stays put until the 2nd or 3rd year when your payments start applying to principle. Sucks to have a 2 year old car & still owe full MSRP on it because you've paid nothing but interest so far.

Oh yeah, the only reason why I said 'A' is because I forgot how much my score was. But it was in fact around that area.
But seriously, thanks for all the tips!!

I would really make sure that I put that monthly to around 400-480 at most.
Looks like you guys have a good deal. I WILL make sure I get those too. (cabpatch)

[eperk84]

My biggest tip would be DON'T FINANCE THROUGH THE DEALER! The Mazda rates are awful. The lowest they go is 7%. Usually the best you can get is about 5% from a bank or credit union. Also some insurance companies do auto loans. Sometimes you will see as low as 4% but be careful you get the details. Get your credit score (I used equifax, you get a free credit report but have to pay like $10 for the actual score) and shop around for a good apr first. I had a score in the mid 700's and got a 5.25% intrest rate from a credit union.

Also, consider a lease if monthly payments are gonna be tough for you. Go 36 months and by then maybe you'll have a better paying job and better credit score, and you will want to upgrade for a speed3 or you can always buy it at the end of the lease. Just means no modding, but I don't like the idea of modding myself anyway.

Also, make sure you put a good down payment if you are going to purchase. This keeps you from owing more than what the car is worth if you should ever need to sell it. With a good interest rate the down payment is recommended to be 20% (I know its alot, like $5000 on a $25,000 car). This will make sure that it covers depreciation when you take it off the lot and you should never be upside down.

[Big-Ben]

My biggest tip would be DON'T FINANCE THROUGH THE DEALER! The Mazda rates are awful. The lowest they go is 7%. Usually the best you can get is about 5% from a bank or credit union. Also some insurance companies do auto loans. Sometimes you will see as low as 4% but be careful you get the details. Get your credit score (I used equifax, you get a free credit report but have to pay like $10 for the actual score) and shop around for a good apr first. I had a score in the mid 700's and got a 5.25% intrest rate from a credit union.

Also, consider a lease if monthly payments are gonna be tough for you. Go 36 months and by then maybe you'll have a better paying job and better credit score, and you will want to upgrade for a speed3 or you can always buy it at the end of the lease. Just means no modding, but I don't like the idea of modding myself anyway.

Also, make sure you put a good down payment if you are going to purchase. This keeps you from owing more than what the car is worth if you should ever need to sell it. With a good interest rate the down payment is recommended to be 20% (I know its alot, like $5000 on a $25,000 car). This will make sure that it covers depreciation when you take it off the lot and you should never be upside down.

Sadly, I don't think I can raise 5000 within the month or so.
But those are some great tips, eperk84.

I believe my score is around mid 700's too. I do just remember hearing the number 7. AHAHAHA.
But yeah, I'm trying to avoid financing in the dealership because I know it'll cost me even more. I'm still trying to find a co-signer. (kissass)

[CrazyT]

My biggest tip would be DON'T FINANCE THROUGH THE DEALER! The Mazda rates are awful.

Not always. I actually got the best rate with them. You can sometimes get a better overall deal with the price of the car and loan if you do both through them. If you get outside loan, then they make money on the car alone, therefore need their profit margin. If you get their lending, they make money off that so they are more flexible with either the loan or the price of the car.

[Mike240SX]

I came at my dealer with the APR that I got approved for through Capital One Auto Finance, the one my bank offered, and the one my credit union offered.

The dealer undercut the lowest by .5%.

[kriewe]

Now's the time to buy. I bought my metro gray speed 3 in Mass. I wasn't planning on buying anything, but I test drove it and fell in love. I had no car payment, traded a Ford Focus for 3,500 (originally they would only give me 2 grand!) and have financed for 6%. Granted, it's not a Grand Touring but I love it just as much. My payment is 315!

[Big-Ben]

Well, I think I have no choice but to do financing through the dealership and just refinance it with my bank a year after -- if I recall what both my aunt and my dad told me.
I hope they won't rip me off as it is my first time buying a car and I'm 20.

[CrazyT]

Don't say we didn't warn ya!

I don't know about auto loan refinancing, but there probably is extra 'costs' that go along with it. Please look into it before you sign, it'll give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I'm not doubting your dad or aunt, but I know a bunch of 'experienced' people that still are not fully aware how financing works.

[Big-Ben]

Don't say we didn't warn ya!

I don't know about auto loan refinancing, but there probably is extra 'costs' that go along with it. Please look into it before you sign, it'll give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I'm not doubting your dad or aunt, but I know a bunch of 'experienced' people that still are not fully aware how financing works.

To be honest, I'm doubting my dad and my aunt. AHAHAH.
I just have no choice, I couldn't find a co-signer. (pissed)
I'm actually trying to avoid dealership financing.
Though the salesperson I'm talking to in D(3) seems like a cool old guy that would really help me.
D(1) Salesperson looks like the kind of guy that would rip me off. He keeps winking.
Though it was nice for him to throw a free tinting/2 gas refills/and something else I forgot, which reminds me, I need to call him to get those freebies.
D(2) Salesperson is just plain annoying. Thinking I don't know my stuff, trying to rip me off badly.

[Reyan]

Well, I think I have no choice but to do financing through the dealership and just refinance it with my bank a year after -- if I recall what both my aunt and my dad told me.
I hope they won't rip me off as it is my first time buying a car and I'm 20.

Hey I am reading through everyone's advise, it's alot of stuff from everyone's experience, maybe I can help you get the car, I have connections in many Mazda dealerships, First off, in which state do you live? next you can have a high credit score with bad credit and it works vice versa, you probably have a high credit score because you have a credit card with a 1,200.00 limit which you've paid well or maybe a little more, however let's say your credit high was 5k, the banks will only go 120% over that in the best case senerio which is 6k, now you want to borrow 24k +++, you over allowance is too much, you'll need to put down alot of money to get bought bay a decent bank.

Do not run your credit until you have decided to prchase a the car, please take my advise, I sell car's for a living. You will decrease your chances of getting a loan approved.

Try get your aunt to co sign for you, if her credit is good over 690 you will get a better interest rate, even if she is going to purchase a car soon it will not affect her as long as you are on the loan, I have three cars in my name.
Maybe you should look at a sport instead of a GT or even used as someone suggested earlier, you do not need to pay more than 350 per month for a car your only 20, but it is your choice I do not know your finances. Good luck if you get the car and if you want pm me and I can try help you to get the car.

[Big-Ben]

Hey I am reading through everyone's advise, it's alot of stuff from everyone's experience, maybe I can help you get the car, I have connections in many Mazda dealerships, First off, in which state do you live? next you can have a high credit score with bad credit and it works vice versa, you probably have a high credit score because you have a credit card with a 1,200.00 limit which you've paid well or maybe a little more, however let's say your credit high was 5k, the banks will only go 120% over that in the best case senerio which is 6k, now you want to borrow 24k +++, you over allowance is too much, you'll need to put down alot of money to get bought bay a decent bank.

Do not run your credit until you have decided to prchase a the car, please take my advise, I sell car's for a living. You will decrease your chances of getting a loan approved.

Try get your aunt to co sign for you, if her credit is good over 690 you will get a better interest rate, even if she is going to purchase a car soon it will not affect her as long as you are on the loan, I have three cars in my name.
Maybe you should look at a sport instead of a GT or even used as someone suggested earlier, you do not need to pay more than 350 per month for a car your only 20, but it is your choice I do not know your finances. Good luck if you get the car and if you want pm me and I can try help you to get the car.

I live in Houston, TX.
The reason I chose GT over Sport is because with only a couple of grand, you get the more accessories, which I find very appealing.
I actually do prefer a NEW one, even though this is going to be my first major purchase.

[Tooch]

just as an fyi might wanna ask them to check used stock on whats available. I got a sick deal on an 07 speed 3 with 150 miles on it used and it basically sat for a year. I walked out the door for less than 22 including tax fees reg etc. I bought it at a jaguar dealership haha. When a car officially drives off a car lot basically 1-2 grand just magickally disappears idk where it goes but thats another 2 grand in your pocket for mods or insurance/ wont have to be repaid plus interest over 5 years

[Tooch]

To be honest, I'm doubting my dad and my aunt. AHAHAH.
I just have no choice, I couldn't find a co-signer. (pissed)
I'm actually trying to avoid dealership financing.
Though the salesperson I'm talking to in D(3) seems like a cool old guy that would really help me.
D(1) Salesperson looks like the kind of guy that would rip me off. He keeps winking.
Though it was nice for him to throw a free tinting/2 gas refills/and something else I forgot, which reminds me, I need to call him to get those freebies.
D(2) Salesperson is just plain annoying. Thinking I don't know my stuff, trying to rip me off badly.

oh and when it comes to this ask the sales manager to speak to another salesman because you dont get the kind of feedback you want from him. The guy whos trying to sell the car will be pissed but what does that mean to you in the end run. you dumped his commision and work into another guys pocket who might be willing to let you get the car cheaper since he had most of the work done for him by the jerk whos trying to rip you off and basically he gets to fill out paper work for a few hundred bucks quick easy cheaper possibilties

[Big-Ben]

oh and when it comes to this ask the sales manager to speak to another salesman because you dont get the kind of feedback you want from him. The guy whos trying to sell the car will be pissed but what does that mean to you in the end run. you dumped his commision and work into another guys pocket who might be willing to let you get the car cheaper since he had most of the work done for him by the jerk whos trying to rip you off and basically he gets to fill out paper work for a few hundred bucks quick easy cheaper possibilties
Sadly, there was no other salesman available.
It was a somewhat small dealership compared to the other 2.
Their A/C in the store doesn't even work!! Which made things worst; My aunt actually lost it, and just slammed her hands on his table and walked away.

If I find a great deal on used car with low mileage then, I'll definitely jump on that deal instead.
Of course it has to be either black or white. (sssh)
(mj)

[niz55]

you can get a sport for 21,500 right now. Ms3 are dirt cheap right now.

[Big-Ben]

you can get a sport for 21,500 right now. Ms3 are dirt cheap right now.

Though I'm a little picky to be honest.
If this is a major purchase for me, might as well add 2,000+ for a GT.

Which we all know what includes there that a Sport doesn't have.
I do like the Leather & Alcantara seats -- which made me like the GT more.

But if worst comes to worst, then I'll settle for a Sports Edition.

[jazzman]

This may sound stupid, but I actually prefer the cloth seats over the leather. Driving an MS3 is the fun part, not the extra stuff. Go for the S and save a little cash.

[Big-Ben]

Thanks to all of you guys trying to save me even the littlest money possible.

One other thing that appealed me was the 6-dis CD/MP3 changer and Bose speaker.
Antitheft security system sounds cool right? (2thumbs)

But yeah, those little accessories really took my interest with only 2G's over.

If I were to get something big, might as well get the biggest, right?

[Big-Ben]

You know guys, after thinking it thoroughly, I don't think I really need those extras for $2000.

I might as well get sports.
I can just always get aftermarket HID.
And iPod/MP3 player over CD's now-a-days anyway.

So yeah, maybe perhaps saving that extra money is a smarter move.

Thanks again guys.

[martin_nj]

think of that 2,000 as helping your resale...

the more options on the car the less it'll depreciate ...

besides you can easily haggle down the difference - with the economy the way it is and the end of the month approaching ANY dealer will want to make a sale, even those snooty ferrari guys =]

like i said i got my ms3gt for 23,300 ~a month ago so you can do better now!! don't let them bully yah!

[Reyan]

oh and when it comes to this ask the sales manager to speak to another salesman because you dont get the kind of feedback you want from him. The guy whos trying to sell the car will be pissed but what does that mean to you in the end run. you dumped his commision and work into another guys pocket who might be willing to let you get the car cheaper since he had most of the work done for him by the jerk whos trying to rip you off and basically he gets to fill out paper work for a few hundred bucks quick easy cheaper possibilties

Tooch you sound like a Douche, the salesman job is to make money, it's the sales manager who will discount the car, so if one sales person was doing his job why cut him out of a living? how would you like someone to cut you out of your commission? sales people have a family to feed also. After you purchase the car and decide to mod it, will these aftermarket companies sell their product's for cost? Call them and try, see what happens.

I hate people who think like you.

So if you go to another sales person he will do the same thing as the other guy, all you gonna accomplish is wasting your time and getting pissed off. Dude your seem to have your own idea of getting a GT and not wanting to compromise, the car has about 2,100.00 from invoice to msrp, so all you gonna get is about a 2,000.00 discount, and as soon as you drive off the lot you gonna loose 20% of the value, think about it. I think you should really think about this before you make an impulse decision. Because your payment will be some where in the 500 range.

[coololddude]

Just go in the dealership with some brochures of the 09 WRX in your car. If money is tight, go for the Sport. Its all about the POWER, not the interior. Not too many people say, "The first thing I am going to do is upgrade the interior, maybe some curtains." They do say, "What mods can I get to make this sucker FASTER!!" Thats true no matter how much HP they start with. If you test drive first its a pretty good bet you will get SCREWED. I did, and I am still enjoying the SCREWING!!

[PCspeed3]

My dealer dosint even order MS3 sports, may as well go with the GT.

[08cosmic3]

My dealer dosint even order MS3 sports, may as well go with the GT.

That's because there is more money to be made with the added cost of the GT. Get the sport if money is tight and the GT if it's not. SIMPLE

[Big-Ben]

I hope my dealer does have Sport in the color I want (white).
Because the only Sport I saw in the lot was in D(2) -- which I would most likely refuse to step foot into that area again, unless they give me a great deal.

But yeah, my main focus is getting the Sports, if they don't have that instock, then I guess I'll settle in with the GT.

Money isn't really much of a factor (Then again, economy is pretty crappy.), since I don't have bills to pay; and my monthly check is enough to provide both insurance and the car and of course some pocket money.
So this would actually be my FIRST major purchase.

[CrazyT]

since I don't have bills to pay

What magical place do you live?


Can I come?!

[Big-Ben]

What magical place do you live?


Can I come?!

Hahaha, as embarrassing as it is, I still live with my parents.
I do help them with their house payments or any other bill payment now-and-then.

Trying to focus on school (would help a lot once I get this car).

[CrazyT]

Well if that's the case, screw the MS3 and get an apartment! You're missing the best years of your life! Trust me!
(friday)(cheers)(beer)(drunk)(blarf)(drunk)(boobs) (boobs)(upbum)(idhitit)(yippy)

Public transportation rocks!

[Big-Ben]

Well if that's the case, screw the MS3 and get an apartment! You're missing the best years of your life! Trust me!
(friday)(cheers)(beer)(drunk)(blarf)(drunk)(boobs) (boobs)(upbum)(idhitit)(yippy)

Public transportation rocks!


AHAHAHA.
I go out of state every winter (i'm actually leaving in about a week, to cali) and summer. So it's all good.
Once I go back here, its back to being serious.

Just waiting for my cousin to turn 21 (I'll be 21 still; Turning 22), and me and my other cousins would hit up Vegas and live it up.

But now, my main focus is to get this car. (stash)

[Reyan]

My dealer dosint even order MS3 sports, may as well go with the GT.

That's because he do not have any in stock and want's to sell what he have in stock, it's the end of the year and on Jan. 2nd he will have to pay interest to the bank on his inventory.

[Big-Ben]

I'm visiting them again (plus another one) this weekend.
What should I do, (need to) know, when I get there?

[Tooch]

Tooch you sound like a Douche, the salesman job is to make money, it's the sales manager who will discount the car, so if one sales person was doing his job why cut him out of a living? how would you like someone to cut you out of your commission? sales people have a family to feed also. After you purchase the car and decide to mod it, will these aftermarket companies sell their product's for cost? Call them and try, see what happens.

I hate people who think like you.

So if you go to another sales person he will do the same thing as the other guy, all you gonna accomplish is wasting your time and getting pissed off. Dude your seem to have your own idea of getting a GT and not wanting to compromise, the car has about 2,100.00 from invoice to msrp, so all you gonna get is about a 2,000.00 discount, and as soon as you drive off the lot you gonna loose 20% of the value, think about it. I think you should really think about this before you make an impulse decision. Because your payment will be some where in the 500 range.

you need to take a chill pill dude. sounds like your an ex car salesman. I've gone to stealerships and had the guy try to push me into the car and off the lot. When i said he wanted me to buy it today OVER AND OVER AGAIN at higher than msrp I had enough and asked to talk to the next guy. If it means more food on my table because I asked for a different salesman when one guy seems to be a sleazeball whos out to screw me then absolutely I will glady put the money in someone else pocket. A car salesman can make a living in two ways, being a sleezeball and pushing people into cars that are more exspencive or not what they want or giving someone what they want and selling in bulk because they have a good customer relationship. I know some car salesman if they are selling to a friend or need / really want to make a sale they can talk to the manager and cut their commision to make the final sale I know if my salesman did that i'd send all my friends to him and i do. Shopping around is to get a better price, and you can shop around inside of a single dealership in some situations if you dont feel a salesman is giving you a fair deal. I'm looking out for his best interest in this situation while your interest is aimed at the salesman. Is he going to have to ever deal with this guy again if he doesnt buy his car from the crappy salesman? no Aftermarket companies do discount there stuff to end users. its called a group buy (hand)

[enshadowed]

i thought i was gettting crappy interest rate at 13% when i got my car under my name at 20.

[Reyan]

you need to take a chill pill dude. sounds like your an ex car salesman. I've gone to stealerships and had the guy try to push me into the car and off the lot. When i said he wanted me to buy it today OVER AND OVER AGAIN at higher than msrp I had enough and asked to talk to the next guy. If it means more food on my table because I asked for a different salesman when one guy seems to be a sleazeball whos out to screw me then absolutely I will glady put the money in someone else pocket. A car salesman can make a living in two ways, being a sleezeball and pushing people into cars that are more exspencive or not what they want or giving someone what they want and selling in bulk because they have a good customer relationship. I know some car salesman if they are selling to a friend or need / really want to make a sale they can talk to the manager and cut their commision to make the final sale I know if my salesman did that i'd send all my friends to him and i do. Shopping around is to get a better price, and you can shop around inside of a single dealership in some situations if you dont feel a salesman is giving you a fair deal. I'm looking out for his best interest in this situation while your interest is aimed at the salesman. Is he going to have to ever deal with this guy again if he doesnt buy his car from the crappy salesman? no Aftermarket companies do discount there stuff to end users. its called a group buy (hand)

It work both way's customer's lie to salesman all day long, I am not an ex car salesman, I am a car salesman, I read people's comment about car dealership's on every post's about the car dealership ripping people off, some off is true and some of it is fabricated, if your read my comment's to this guy I give hime alot of information about how to purchase the vehicle, I agree that some salespeople can be pushy but you wanna know the truth, customers expect that. And your defending aftermarket companies about their group buy, why do you have to wait for a group buy, why can't they just give you a 15 to 20% off they have the room. Everyone here goes to circuit city and best buy to purchase electronics, and they charge you $45 for a power cord the cost the $7 and you happily hand them your credit card, who in turn is gonna charge you 15-29% interest, so your really gonna pay $50-60. for that cord, think about it, and try asking them for a discount, their top sales people are making close to $100,000.00 a year.

If you do not want the dealership to make money on you, then go buy a bicycle.

[Tooch]

Lol thats why I dont use credit and buy online from resellers who have lower markup. By buying smart you can save yourself thousands easily every year. that means more money for mods. I understand everyone needs there piece of the cake but we're here to try and help our fellow forum members get the biggest hunk of delicious cake as possible and sad as i am to say it means that we are helping him take cake away from the car salesman and give him his cake.

as for the power cord analagy lemme tell you guys. buy your cords online i work at radioshack. Hdmi cables we sell for $50 cost us $5. I generally try and get the customer the cheapest possible thing that will do exactly what they need for them in the hopes that they come back. Radioshack is rediculously overpriced and its killing our sales

[djthom]

And yet, still no 09 MS3 GT in our garage.

So I went to 3 different dealership with my aunt; 2 of them I like. The other try to rip me off and try to be in the upper hand.

The invoice I got from dealership (1) - 24,299. Dealership (2) - 24,752. Dealership (3) - 24,172.

Now I'm 20; First time buyer. Most likely will go with the 60 month plan.
Dealership (3) have calculated that I will be paying 617 - 642 / No money down.
I'm hoping to put at least 2G's down.

Anyway, should I get it now, or next month?
I will be going out of state for Christmas until 4th of Jan.

I'm scared that the white version would be gone by the time I come back; AND MIGHT wait for another one.

D(1) - Will only get shipped to them if I'm going to buy from them.
D(2) - Already have them in their stock
D(3) - will get their White version next week on Monday.

Any tips I need to know (still)? Perhaps get some freebie add-ons; Like tint?
Should I be comfortable with the price I was given?

I do apologize for the long read and questions.
Do help me, I wish to be an MS3 enthusiast soon.

Thanks for the help guys.

Dude those are NOT good prices...
very high.
you can do better with an on-line dealer or phone deal for sure...

do a search on buying tactics and keep your cool. it could save you 2K!

good luck!

[Reyan]

Lol thats why I dont use credit and buy online from resellers who have lower markup. By buying smart you can save yourself thousands easily every year. that means more money for mods. I understand everyone needs there piece of the cake but we're here to try and help our fellow forum members get the biggest hunk of delicious cake as possible and sad as i am to say it means that we are helping him take cake away from the car salesman and give him his cake.

as for the power cord analagy lemme tell you guys. buy your cords online i work at radioshack. Hdmi cables we sell for $50 cost us $5. I generally try and get the customer the cheapest possible thing that will do exactly what they need for them in the hopes that they come back. Radioshack is rediculously overpriced and its killing our sales


I am happy we agree on something. lol. If you really want to get this car, go to www.mazdausa.com build the car online and at the last page you will see submit quote to dealer, then select the dealers closest to you and see who gives you the price that suites you budget, then you go in and work out the financing. Do it on monday night. Trust me you will have a car by next weekend.

[Big-Ben]

I am happy we agree on something. lol. If you really want to get this car, go to www.mazdausa.com build the car online and at the last page you will see submit quote to dealer, then select the dealers closest to you and see who gives you the price that suites you budget, then you go in and work out the financing. Do it on monday night. Trust me you will have a car by next weekend.

That's what I did.
But I'll re-do it for the Sports edition.
Should I use my name still? Or some bogus name/email?
Ahaha, but yeah.

Thanks again. I'll definitely stop by tomorrow at the dealership and talk to them.

[squidmotion]

still looking myself...

what is the sour part of the deal for me?

i'm 40... perfect credit... the last two cars i bought were 0% interest.

mazda's lowest rate? 2.9%

but that DOESN'T apply to the speed3????!!!???!! WTF??

and they are very coy about which interest rate they would offer... told the last guy (who refuses to come off the LIST price) to shove it, i guess you really don't want to sell me one. oh, but they can get me in the regular 3 series for 2.9% ... once again, shove it.. (not that it is a bad car, it really isn't!) if that was the car i was interested in, i would be talking about that one!

gonna see what my bank will offer me for a loan... if i get any crap from them, then i guess this car will just have to wait... :(

what i don't understand is mazda being so difficult to work with on price/financing... really putting a sour taste in my mouth, for such a sweet little car. i have NEVER paid sticker for a car (as i'm sure most of you haven't either), and i'm not going to now...

[CrazyT]

Mazda currently has 0% financing.....

except for the Speed3.

Playing devils advocate, but you can get (or at least could get) an '08 STi for 6k off MSRP with a rebate and 0% financing.

[squidmotion]

nah... no thanks. really not into the subies (nothing against them, just not the car for me)... and they are VERY proud of them here in houston...

really thought the speed3 was a bang for your buck ride... but with crummy interest rates (well compared to what i'm seeing elsewhere), not wanting to come off the price very much, etc. combine that with TTL, and 'destination charge'..... and the 100k warranty... not adding up that well... i guess that is with any new car...

just ranting... i always get like this when i go car shopping... never gets any better... heheheheh :)

[Big-Ben]

nah... no thanks. really not into the subies (nothing against them, just not the car for me)... and they are VERY proud of them here in houston...

really thought the speed3 was a bang for your buck ride... but with crummy interest rates (well compared to what i'm seeing elsewhere), not wanting to come off the price very much, etc. combine that with TTL, and 'destination charge'..... and the 100k warranty... not adding up that well... i guess that is with any new car...

just ranting... i always get like this when i go car shopping... never gets any better... heheheheh :)

You know, I'll be stopping through our dealerships again tomorrow.
I will definitely keep you guys the heads up. I hope me and you (squidmotion) can get this car soon and meet with other speedheads here in our area.
If you think you're getting a crappy deal, I guess I shouldn't be too surprise for mine. I'm sure you have a better credit score than I have.

Gee, aren't our dealership nice?

[Reyan]

It's not mazda, it's the dealership not wanting to discount the car, find another dealership, what I have been seeing is people comming into the dealership and saying that the car business in in trouble, so you have to sell me this car for under cost, really now is my answer, 1.) that's for american car's go up the street you will find a domestic dealer and 2.) I don't have to discount my car,but if you want we can come to some agreement on a purchase price. I hope your not being one of those people.

Mazdaspeed have never had any 0% interest rate, you can go to your bank and apply for a loan, your credit is good. Also you can try a credit union, sometimes they have rates lower than the bank.







still looking myself...

what is the sour part of the deal for me?

i'm 40... perfect credit... the last two cars i bought were 0% interest.

mazda's lowest rate? 2.9%

but that DOESN'T apply to the speed3????!!!???!! WTF??

and they are very coy about which interest rate they would offer... told the last guy (who refuses to come off the LIST price) to shove it, i guess you really don't want to sell me one. oh, but they can get me in the regular 3 series for 2.9% ... once again, shove it.. (not that it is a bad car, it really isn't!) if that was the car i was interested in, i would be talking about that one!

gonna see what my bank will offer me for a loan... if i get any crap from them, then i guess this car will just have to wait... :(

what i don't understand is mazda being so difficult to work with on price/financing... really putting a sour taste in my mouth, for such a sweet little car. i have NEVER paid sticker for a car (as i'm sure most of you haven't either), and i'm not going to now...

[Reyan]

Whenever you see a rebate on a car is because the car is not selling, that also kills the resale value of the vehicle, 0% and a rebate means the car is just sitting on the lot, no one is buying them. Where did you see the rebate on the STI?





Mazda currently has 0% financing.....

except for the Speed3.

Playing devils advocate, but you can get (or at least could get) an '08 STi for 6k off MSRP with a rebate and 0% financing.

[squidmotion]

i completely understand, rey... and the fact that this is a special car, with only 5000 being made...

and also, i have to tell you the dealership i went to today is really working to get me into one... it isn't mazda, per se... the low interest rates are an incentive on cars they have a lot of, and plan to move in large numbers...

all in all, i had a good experience there (well, as good as an experience as one could have buying a car.. .argggg)


lots of good advice here... thanks everyone...

[squidmotion]

well....


after all of that, they called me today, and made me a new offer that i just couldn't refuse...


so now me and the mrs. are the proud owners of a beautiful COSMIC PEARL WHITE SPEEEEEEED3!!!!!


hoooray!!!!


i'll post some photos of it in the next few days (nothing you guys haven't seen before)


no mods planned on this one, as it is actually the wife's car....