We just purchased a 2020 CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve, Deep Crystal Blue/Parchment from a Mazda dealer in about 45 minutes from my house, in eastern NH (I'm not sure if it is ok to post dealer names, PM me if you want the details).
MSRP: $36,080
Dealer Discount: $2828
Mazda Rebate: $750 Loyalty
Inspection Fee: didn't charge us for this
Taxes: $0, in NH (no sales tax in NH for NH registered cars)
Title: $25
Doc/Admin Fees: $370
Out-The-Door Price: $32,897 (including fees, rebates, etc)
no trade-in
no financing
I spent about a week sending and responding to emails.
I went to the dealer's web site, found the "contact us" page and sent them this note:
- I would like to get the email address for the Internet sales manager to send over my request for a quote on a 2020 Mazda CX-5. I prefer to handle all communications through email at this time. Thank you
We did go to a local dealer for a test drive a few months ago - and we stopped back at that dealer last month for a useless visit to check on left-over 2019's. Other than that, the only dealer visit was today.
Today was the first time we stepped into the dealer or spoke to them (other than through email) was today.
I did spend another week to 10 days looking for 2019 GTRs, before I had decided that was a waste of time.
Overall, the process was pretty easy. Some things I've learned:
- If you do this I strongly recommend using an alternate email account - as you will likely get emails from 20 dealers every week for the next 5 years.
- Don't call the dealer, don't give them your phone number
- a few dealerships require entering a phone number when you send a "contact us" request on their web site - I just put in "123-4567"
- If there is a dealer you really want to buy from, engage them at the end of the process. "Freeportd" had recommended the dealer he purchased his CX-5 from, and I didn't send that dealer an email until I had prices from all of the other dealers. (and that is the dealer we bought the CX-5 from)
- Very few people listen to directions - I had asked for a price breakdown showing rebates, dealer fees, etc - and only 2 dealers gave me that. I had to email back asking if rebates were included in the prices they gave me and if doc fees were included.
- Even if you spell out everything (i.e. "I'm not eligible for the Military or recent grad rebates") some dealers will ignore that and still ask you questions that you've already answered. Not point in being mean, just politely answer them again
- Some dealers quoted a non-existent Mazda rebate. These 3 dealers told me I was eligible for 0.9% financing or $1000 cash. I wasn't financing, so their prices includes a $1000 additional rebate from Mazda - which Mazda offers on the 2019s, not the 2020s.
- Even after asking those three dealers to double check this, they still told me that there was a $1000 rebate.
- My favorite response from an Internet Sales Manager: "when can you come into the dealership, the best deals are done in person".
- I just kept thinking, "you better hope that's not true, or else they wont need an internet sales manager".
next steps:
- figure out what all the buttons do
- get extra rims and snow tires
- figure out what to pay for the extended warranty (still not sure if we want that)
Here is the template for the first note I had sent:
Than you for responding to by request so quickly.
I’m interested in purchasing a new car by the end of this month, preferably by the end of next week. I’m contacting multiple dealerships for their best price on a 2020 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve.
I would prefer the color of the car to be I would like the exterior color of the car to be Deep Crystal Blue Mica (I do not have a preference for interior color). I am also ok with the “Soul Red” color – and I do know that there is an additional charge for that color. When comparing prices, I will consider the percentage discount from MSRP.
There are no additional options I am looking for currently, but I understand that some of the vehicles may already have factory/port installed options.
I would like to get a price, with a breakdown of all fees all fees (including documentation, etc.). If you are including any rebates/incentives, please specify that.
As the owner of a Mazda Miata, I believe I am eligible for the $750 Mazda Loyalty Reward Program. I am not eligible for the Military or recent graduate rebates from Mazda.
I will not be trading in another vehicle.
I am a resident of New Hampshire (zip code XXXXX) – there should be no sales tax on this vehicle.
I plan to pay cash for the car.
I prefer that all contact be through email for now.
Once I have price quotes from multiple dealers, I will evaluate them and work with the top 3 quotes on a final price.
Thank you for your time
In the second round, I sent this email (or a variation of it, to the top 3-4 dealers:
Thank you for following up with me
Most of the other dealers have replied with quotes and my task for tonight is to put everything into a spreadsheet narrow down the list.
Here is the the you had sent me (please double check my numbers):
MSRP: $36,705
Discount: $2061
Rebates from Mazda (Customer Cash & Loyalty): $1750
Doc fees: $499
Govt Fee: $1
OTD: $33,394
I've put it in this format as it makes it easier to compare with the numbers from the other dealerships.
I haven't completed all of the math, but it looks like you are the 3rd best quote - but I will know more once it is all in the spreadsheet.
Thank you again for all of your time.
And I had sent this note below to the last dealer, the one that won the business (I did send it to another dealer, but they didn't match the prices:
To save us both a bit of time, right now, the best 2 quotes I have are:
1. from a dealership about 45 minutes from my house - a 2020 CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve, Soul Red with an "out-the-door" price (including all rebates, doc/admin fees, incentives, discounts) of $32997
2. from a dealership about 1 hour from my house - a 2020 CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve, Deep Crystal Blue with an "out-the door" price (including all rebates, doc/admin fees, incentives, discounts) or $32,897.50
As a quick review, here is the short version of my requirements:
· Vehicle: 2020 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve
· Exterior Color: Deep Crystal Blue Mica OR Soul Red
· Interior Color: no preference
· Optional Equipment: none
· Rebate Eligibility: $750 Mazda Loyalty (not sure if "customer cash" is available as well)
· Trade-In: None
· Financing: none – will pay cash (bank check)
· Location for Registration: New Hampshire, Zip Code: XXXXX
· Timeframe for Purchase: January 2020