Purchased a 2019 CX-5 Signature in Machine Gray with an MSRP of $38,235 last weekend from a dealership in the San Francisco Bay Area. The first dealer I visited offered the car for $35,414 (sales price of $36,470 minus a $500 factory rebate). I then learned about the Costco Auto Program, but the "Costco Member-Only Price" was surprisingly a bit higher at $35,564.
After emailing every Mazda dealership within a reasonable distance I received a quote of $33,998 plus an $85 documentation fee, for a total of $34,083 (this number includes the $500 factory rebate). I informed the other dealers of this offer and only two agreed to match it if I would forward the email with it in writing, which I didn't see any reason to do. One offered to tack on a free oil change and "car detailing" whenever the car was brought in for service. Another went back and forth with me for a bit warning me that I was likely being deceived and that I "might not appreciate" how "hidden fees" and interest rates could inflate the final selling price, which of course I found insulting.
In the end, I gave the business to the person that offered the lowest price up front, as it seemed only fair to do so despite the fact the dealership is a pretty fair distance from me. I was told over the phone that they would need to run a credit check when I arrived to close the deal, which I found annoying given we agreed I would be paying cash. I told the salesperson I wouldn't keep our appointment unless they agreed to drop that "requirement," and they quickly did so. No pressure from the finance department on additional options and I ended up writing a check for the exact "out the door" price I was quoted via email ($37,420 after tax and DMV fees). I'm actually not sure I shouldn't have purchased the extended warranty, and may need to do a little more homework on that question here...
Looked at lots of other options before settling on the CX-5, so hope it ends up being a sound choice. Happy this forum is here as a resource if there are any issues!