Mazda6 Sedan

17879818384342

Comments

  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    Than nearly any other car at its price point. I was impresed by the interior. Goes on to show how hard it is to please everyone.

    I'm looking at January for the invoice prices. As soon as the factory gets up to speed and the inventory gets on the lots. Right now the demand is hot and the inventory is cool.
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    1. Low beam

    2. High beam

    3. Turn indicator

    4. Fog light


    If the car doesn't have the sport package, the fog light is replaced by a dummy bulb.

  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Are the fog lights available as a dealer-installed accessory? If so, what do I do with the dummy bulb, sell it to somebody with a dummy car?
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    Port Installed Option...
  • seafseaf Member Posts: 339
    I hope there will be more and more "price only" car dealers, such as carsdirect, or online ordering facilities. This kind of system will please those of us who do our own research and do not want a salesperson to get in the way and just want the lowest price.

    There will always be a place for the traditional car dealership with salespeople for consumers such as WonderWoman who want to interact with a person and learn about the car, get treated with respect...etc.

    It's like buying stereo equipment, if you don't understand much about stereos and want to discuss what is right for you, you go to a specialty store to discuss it with the people there. They may not have the best prices, but you're paying for that extra knowledge and experience. On the other hand if you know a lot about stereo equipment and did your own research, known exactly what you want, and price is the only remaining determinant factor, you go to a stereo equipment mail order catalog or online sites and get it from there, where you won't get service, but you'll benefit from the more efficient retail system (low inventory, no salespeople salaries to pay, no walk-in stores' property rent...etc), all of which are paid for by the consumers in the end.

    There's a price for everything (it's how our society runs), some people are willing to pay a bit extra to save time, or frustration, others are willing to be patient and take longer, with more work to get a lower price. Different strokes for different folks.
  • tiredofmanualtiredofmanual Member Posts: 338
    This thread has really gone south.

    Wonderwoman, please just stop. There is absolutely nothing you can do to make these people see things from your point of view. Give up.

    To all future Mazda6 buyers, I think you have seen what happens when you admit to paying money for a car.

    I've enjoyed reading nearly every single post and have been interested in the 6 since I first saw pictures well over a year ago. But lately I'm having a hard time clicking on the link for fear of reading pointless bickering.

    The Mazda6 is finally in the hands of the drivers; this discussion should be blossoming with first-hand accounts and new discoveries. Can we please make it happen without ruining it by arguing over money?
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    HERE! HERE! I agree. While they argue the 6 is still selling at close to sticker.

    edmunds2460:
    **I've never treated one with disrespect, but
    with very few exceptions I've found that most of them couldn't find their rear end with a searchlight let alone tell you anything about the car you didn't already know.**

    The salesman you bought your Protegé from worked 13 hour days six days a week at Parks Mazda, 8:00AM to 9:00PM. It's BORING walking the floor with no customers in the showroom, but they have to be there, and little commission when they do sell a car. High turnover in sales people. He's gone, so is the salesman who sold me my Protegé, and so is the salesmanager. Would you memorize the specifications of 10 to 12 models if you thought you were going to quit?

    Of course, they don't know as much about the various models and the specs, these days the customer already knows that, and more, by the time he walks into the showroom. The Internet, car magazines, and Edmunds.com boards prepare customers, ARM (for the battle) is a better word. LOL!

    everyday: The headlamps on the 6 are in rows that simulate European projector headlamps. Outboard (left headlamp group) is the lowbeam, next is the parking/turn signal, next is the fog light (on sports package models only), and the inboard lamp is highbeam with a driving lamp. Fog lights are, or will be, available in kits and mount in the bumper facia right and left of the air intake for the radiater as a dealer installed option.

    Interesting standard feature: front mud guards included, rear mud guards optional, $30 pair. The only thing worse than that is if they sold them one to a package. Sheesh Mazda, who thought that one up?

    fowler3
  • zaimonzaimon Member Posts: 124
    Scavenging on the NHTSA site I found that they consider the 6 a compact car...

    I'm assuming Mazda is expecting 5-star ratings from NHTSA tests. Anyone know if Mazda kept the more rigorous IIHS-offset crast test rating in mind when designing the 6? Anyone care to explore this?

    - Jeff
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    It may be due to the cabin's less than 100 cubic feet capacity, the 6's capacity is closer to 97cf.

    It is smaller, but not crowded in the front. The back seat is comfortable, more spacious than in the Protegé, and supportive on curves. More legroom, too. I found the front seats confortable and, I, also, hate hard seats. The seat cushion gives when passing over road patches. Something many car seats do not do, especially leather seats.

    Can you imagine a car as big and boxy as a Camry having the performance the 6 has? Or the Avalon? LOL!

    fowler3
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    After my test drive, I went back and took photos of the 6S I drove. Noticed the nice grille under the rear hood edge below the windshield wipers. Nice touch, better than just a plain opening. It is a row of vertical vanes across the hood edge.

    The taillamps, when on, have the radiating lines seen on Jaguars and the Altima taillamps. The backup and turn signal lamps have a similar look, almost jewel-like.

    fowler3
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    I think Jim is closer to owning one of these baby's than he will admit!

    Sounds like you're hooked big boy!
  • gilbrookgilbrook Member Posts: 6
    Can you get them as an option?
    In headlights and/or lower front cowl?
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    are supposed to be a dealer installed option in either the headlamp cluster or lower facia.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Even though I can negotiate a price with the best of them, I would prefer a true "one price system", and here's why. In the current way of selling cars, the naive or anxious buyer pays MSRP or more. On a car like the 6, this is about 9% over invoice. Now, the savvy buyer may buy the same thing for $400 over invoice, or maybe 2% over invoice (maybe less). The fact is that the dealer may have trouble making a profit (and the salesperson would have trouble making a living on all "mini" sales) on new car sales if they sold every car for 2% over invoice. So, what does this mean? In the current system, in order for me to get a car for the lowest price, somebody had to pay MSRP, which bothers me greatly. With the true "one price" dealers that I have seen, cars sell for ~5% over invoice to EVERYONE with no negotiating. Because this is more fair, I would much prefer it to the current corrupt system, even though I am able to get the lowest price the way it is.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    concerning the S-plan on the mazda6...

    the car is part of the program but no Mazda dealer is forced to participate in the program. So either wait until your dealer decides they will S-plan the 6 or find a another Mazda Dealer in your area who will.
    I don't know of any dealers in my area who are taking S-plan sales at this point.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    You post is very insightful. The guy who pays below market price is being subsidised by the people who pay over market price.
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    Get educated about pricing and get the best deal possible. Don't like to haggle? Get help from somebody that does.

    The 6 is looking to be my brother's next car. I've sat in it and it feels great, especially for the price. Not a fan of the painted silver plastic though. Looking forward to a test drive when the local dealer has a 6s manual.

    -B
  • wgrwgr Member Posts: 127
    I was interested in the Mercury Marauder when I first heard about it and spent some time on Edmund's MM Town Hall. When the car finally came out people were going nuts and buying it at MSRP or more. Now, 4-5 month s later I have seen ads for $29,500 (MSRP=34,500). I think for most cars, it pays to wait.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a good example of a car that was going for MSRP PLUS $4000 or so when it debuted. Now, they can't give them away, and it's been that way for awhile now. What happend to those people who paid MSRP+ when the car was new and wanted to trade before the car was paid off? They lost their shirts.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    4236 of 4237 Value of Waiting by wgr Dec 04, 2002 (09:57 am)
    I was interested in the Mercury Marauder when I first heard about it and spent some time on Edmund's MM Town Hall. When the car finally came out people were going nuts and buying it at MSRP or more. Now, 4-5 month s later I have seen ads for $29,500 (MSRP=34,500). I think for most cars, it pays to wait.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    #4237 of 4237 MSRP pricing... by vocus Dec 04, 2002 (09:58 am)
    The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a good example of a car that was going for MSRP PLUS $4000 or so when it debuted. Now, they can't give them away, and it's been that way for awhile now. What happend to those people who paid MSRP+ when the car was new and wanted to trade before the car was paid off? They lost

    This is why we said it's not a sound financial decision (not to use another term) to buy a car that just comes out. But it's your $. Could have used it on something better (paying off the 6, taking a trip, doing home renovation, etc), but hey, we're just saying this, we don't really care.

    Now others can go in a few months and get the 6 for a better price.

    Cheers!
    Dinu
  • doying5doying5 Member Posts: 83
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    When you order a car, does it not subtract from your total allottment of cars you're capable of receiving? If that's true, and I offered someone to order me a car at invoice, why wouldn't they jump on it? (assuming a car, like the 6, isn't limited production, and they didn't already have one like it on the lot...)

    Really, I'm just pissed that I can't find a single manual tranny within 50 miles.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    The ones in he headlights are only factory installed. The bumper mounted lights can be port or dealer installed BUT they cannot be combined with the head-lamp unit fog lights. If you add bumper mounted fogs to a vehicle equipped with the head-lamp unit fogs, the installation is set up to disable the head-lamp fogs. Any person with a little electrical ability could remedy this with a relay and some wire.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I want the option to have three sets of lights going at once. You know..The lights and buttons thing.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Cool buttons and things that glow, eh?

    Have you considered installing a set of lights at your windshield washer nozzles? It screams "mad stylz, yo!" All da kewl kars have dem:)

    Dinu
  • doying5doying5 Member Posts: 83
    Actually,
    The number of orders we place with Mazda is determined by the number of cars sold in a predetermined period. For instance I beleive our allotment of the 6 was based on how many 626 and protege models we sold over the last 4-6 months.

    A smaller dealer is allowed to order a small number (lets say 15 for a month) That dealer is less likely to take the SPlan order because they'll need to sell those 15 cars for more.

    If you need splan you should check with the largest dealers in your area and see if they will take your plan if you order.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Would you memorize the specifications of 10 to 12 models if you thought you were going to quit?
    Yes. It's your job. And if you're cruising the floor 13 hours a day, you can easily spend 30 minutes per car memorizing all its features.

    With the true "one price" dealers that I have seen, cars sell for ~5% over invoice to EVERYONE with no negotiating. Because this is more fair,
    Fair? "Life is pain, highness, anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something." Fairness is a crazy, touchy-feely, illogical and inconsistent thing. If all the fairness people had their way, we'd be living in Kurt Vonnegut's short story "Harrison Bergeron." No thanks.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    In this market now, dealers and salesman will pretty much do anything they can for a sale. No one should have to pay MSRP now.
  • cb70cb70 Member Posts: 226
    No offense to anyone, even I got involoved, but wouldn't this issue be better taken up in a Smart Shopper thread and not on the Mazda 6 thread?
  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    Before the age of the internet, carbuying was a daunting task. You were walking into the unknown back then. Although the dealerships still have an advantage, nowadays the playing field has become more level. With the wealth of information that can be gotten online (invoice prices, options, etc) there should no reason why you should be taken to the cleaners when you go to buy a car. The dealers prey on the bargaining impaired, ignorant and unimformed customer. I can also understand how some people would rather go to the dentist than go buy a car. The experience is usually unpleasant and you have to be on your toes at all times. For those that don't want the aggravation of dealing with a salesperson there are no haggle dealerships and buying services. Personally, I think that in order to keep getting good prices there is just no avoiding good ole fashioned haggling. Go to other countries in the world, haggling is how business is done. I hate to think that we Americans are getting too laid back and too comfortable.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I sent a few e-mails off to various manufacturers yesterday asking about availability for a 6 hitch. I got responses from Reese (ain't gonna happen) and Hidden Hitch (nothing in the works), so I maybe hosed. Anybody have any ideas or know if I have any other options?
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    You know, no frame to mount it to and all. I know my Protege's manual says not to tow anything with the car.

    But why am I telling YOU this.

    Meade
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Every new product costs more when it is introduced: Cars, computers, houses, whatever. And people do haggle over those prices. You can get a lower price on a new computer model simply by asking at mail order houses, match another price. On houses we make counter offers. On cars we haggle for lowest price. We do not haggle at supermarkets, why, because supermarkets and food vendors offer discounts and coupons. Taking advantage of those, and rebates, you can cut food costs to practically nothing.

    Usually, we don't haggle over low-priced items, only big-ticket items: Cars and houses.

    meinrad: Not yet! I'm thinking about it though. After you drive an 6S you get da FEVER! If you like small cars, want the up-market features, want performance and ride quality, do not want to pay "entry-level luxury" prices, there is nothing else out there that comes close -- except the Mazda6. No competition = MSRP.

    fowler3
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    initial allocation was based upon 90/180 day sales of 626, millenia's and proteges and number of days in inventory (turn ratio).

    Rich
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    A guy over on the Jetta discussion said he just saw a 6 on display in a mall in Atlanta this afternoon. COOL! Maybe Mazda (or at least that dealer) is finally getting serious about marketing its product!

    Meade
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    Meade, they even make a hitch specifically for the P5. It's not always about towing. I use it for a hitch mounted bike rack.

    I would bet there will be a hitch to fit a 6 within a year whether they are saying nothing is planned or not.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Vehicles don't need frames (in the traditional sense) to mount hitches. Almost any vehicle can safely pull 1000lbs. There are a few manufacturers that sell Class I receivers for the Protege.

    The owners manual for the 6 says the same thing as the Pro manual, but it's just for liability/warranty.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    with my Mazda GLC hatchback in 1982. It was a small sailboat and the GLC was much smaller than the Protegé, less power, too. Towing was easy, getting traction on steap launching ramps was another story. Trailer weight lifts FWD car's wheels, no traction. That's why the VW Rabbit pickup truck didn't sell.

    The more weight you put on the back end the less chance you are going ANYWHERE!

    fowler3
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Mazda has a program to assist dealers in the cost for a dealer to place a car at the mall, assuming the mall draws enough people. Last year we had a yellow P5 at our local mall and just last week we placed a yellow Mazda 6 inside the same mall. We will keep it there until mid Jan.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    The one in the mall Sunday. I called around for a loaded 5 speed and one dealer said the only one they had was in the mall. But I could buy it though.

    I would never ever ever put those washer nozzle lights on my car. Ever.
  • ruefusruefus Member Posts: 254
    I'm very close to making a decision on a new 6s. I have the ability to buy one on S plan, so price is not an issue.

    I'm wondering if buying now will mean I miss out on aggressive financing in a few months. I'm looking at 4.99%/60 months right now.

    Has Mazda offered 0% or very low rates like other automakers have?

    What's your opinion - would I be better served financially to wait, or is this about as good as it's going to get?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    The way the market's going right now, I am sure Mazda will be lowering their financing rates and offering special deals.

    Also, the S-plan is a dealer by dealer thing. They can refuse to sell you the car on that price plan if they want to. And since most are charging MSRP (from what everyone is saying here) you might not be able to get the S plan price yet.
  • ruefusruefus Member Posts: 254
    I've already had two dealers say they'll sell a 6 on S-plan. Both want me to order a car, which isn't an issue for me.
  • capitanocapitano Member Posts: 509
    Saw my first 6 outside of the dealer today. Saw a Steel Gray one being driven by a middle-aged woman with a colorful neck scarf. She reminded me of my grandmother 15 years ago. What were the target demographics for this car again? ;-)

    Meade,

    It's funny you should mention judges in Chesterfield. I get to go see one in January for speeding on I95 two sundays ago. I have the option to call and pay, but I am toying with showing up and seeing what happens. It's my first speeding ticket since 1991.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    :D

    Meade
  • ickes_mobileickes_mobile Member Posts: 675
    I'd use the rates they're offering on the Pro5 and Tribute as a guide as to what may be available within a few months on the 6.

    I saw my first on-road Mazda6 today. Actually it was in the parking lot of my office. A nice silver with the sport package, leather and automatic. Very sharp. It was parked next to a last generation 626 and actually looked a bit bigger.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    I see folks from 16 to 66 driving Proteges and P5s. They just have broad appeal to those who enjoy the act of driving. I believe the 6 will be the same way (although I doubt many parents will buy their teenaged first-time drivers a 6 as a "starter").
  • bigdaddycoatsbigdaddycoats Member Posts: 1,058
    Does it cost a lot to put a car on display in a mall? Do you think that it helps your sales?

    Just curious.
  • tiredofmanualtiredofmanual Member Posts: 338
    A few posts back you mention you want three sets of lights going. You aren't going to find any cars sold at dealerships that way because in many states (if not all) it is illegal. You're welcome to do it yourself and I would bet that you can get away with it as long as you aim them right and don't blind any oncoming police officers :)
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    "Saw my first 6 outside of the dealer today. Saw a Steel Gray one being driven by a middle-aged woman with a colorful neck scarf. She reminded me of my grandmother 15 years ago. What were the target demographics for this car again? ;-)"

    Why do people obsess about stuff like this with cars? If you like the car, who cares what others think?
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