The 16 (or 17) number has NOTHING to do with how much the tire contacts the ground.
16 and 17 is the diameter of the WHEEL-
a 205 55 16 and a 205 50 17 tire are the same width (205mm)
They are also about the same diameter - (right at 25 inches depending on brand)
Most of the people who work at tire stores don't even understand what the numbers on the sidewall mean - I would go over to tirerack.com and do some research - they have a good site.
You can buy 15 inch tires that are TALLER than 17 inch tires -
You can buy 15 inch tires that are wider that 17 inch tires
My 6 CD changer plays MP3s, granted mine is a SP Edition but I can't see Mazda having two different 6 CD Changers if they're trying to be cost efficient. I do business with some very knowledgable people. Try mazdastuff.com. They can verify for you and have great prices as well.
205= width of the tire in milimeter (1000 milimeter = 1 meter = 3,3feets) 55 = 55% of the width of the tire (so 205 X .55 = 113 milimeter) 16 = inset diameter of the wheel in inches
I am having a heck of a time finding a rear wiper replacement. Has anyone replaced their's? It measures 13.5", so did you go with a 13" or a 14". The normal store wipers do not seem to have the same fitting mechanism.
Man, that odd sizing would drive me nuts. I've got a similar issue with the front wipers on my Celica; the left wiper is a different size than the right wiper.
The wiper blade reference table did not have the Mazda3 in it yet - so I had to measure - the OEM wipers are an odd size - Driver's side has a 21 inch wiper with 20.5 inches of rubber - but a 22 inch blade fits just fine.
Passenger side wiper is 18.75 - rubber is only 18.25 - a 19 inch blade on the passenger side will hit the molding on the side of the windshield - so you need to go down to an 18 inch blade.
I'll answer that. I have tried my dealer, and even they didn't have a rear wiper blade for the Mazda3 hatch! They've got the fronts (same 21(D)/19(P)) as Protege and a lot of other cars), but no rears!
I started at the dealer, and don't get me wrong, I have money, but paying $25.03 for a flippin 13.5" wiper blade seemed a bit ridiculous. How did they get the .03 I wonder!? It's more of an annoyance than anything.
I test drove an 05 Mazda3 5dr today. I have an 01 jetta right now. Im wondering what the switch over may be like from the jetta to the mazda3. I owe quite a bit on my car, but im looking at the s-touring trim. the dealer is going to try to get my payments around 330$/month. What do you all think? Jump on the opportunity?
I say go for it. The Mazda3 is at least as well assembled as the Jetta, if not more so. The 3 is also recognized as having the best driving dynamics in its class. You'll enjoy it at least as much at the Jetta, probably even more.
Is it the 5-door s Touring you're looking at? I bought that exact vehicle in Titanium Gray last month and love it!
I'm at a crossroad on whether to get a 3s touring hatchback or a Toyota Matrix. The 3 feels like a much nicer driving car, the Matrix has all plastic in the back when you fold the seats down. Would clean up really well when you go to the lake and the dogs are wet when you load them up.
Has anyone replaced the carpet with something like rubber, or found products to protect the carpeting. The rear seats would be folded down and there's carpeting up the sides.
It seems as though my current Cavi Z24 is on its last legs, and a new car buy is imminent. I was hoping to wait until summer but it seems I may be buying sooner.
I'm still not decided on Civic or Mazda 3 but my gut says I'll be happier with the 3. My brain says go with a $15k Corolla S, but then my heart says listen to gut because brain's an idiot.
In comparing the hatchback Touring and Grand Touring my payments would be about $290-300 for the Touring and about $335-350 for the Grand Touring. I am trying to decide whether the GT is worth the extra 45-ish bucks a month. I equipped both with 5AT, and sunroof package.
GT is leather, where as T is cloth. No big deal for me. GT is auto climate control, T is manual. Also no big deal. GT has HIDs, T doesn't. Again, no problem. GT has the Bose stereo, T doesn't. I could add my own amp/sub with savings.
It seems that, while the GT is an extremely well equipped vehicle, the T is just fine for $45 less per month. As far as I can tell, the above are the only differences correct? Is there anything that I am missing that could swing me to the GT?
BTW I think Mazda could do a better job in listing all the features on each trim and options in a table like Toyota and Honda's sites do.
reuel3 suggested that I move my post here to get more insight, so here it is...
I currently have a 2001 Dodge Neon 5sp (that I bought new) and am looking for a new car. Oh the confusion. I've got it narrowed down to the matrix or mazda 3 sport. I'm about 80% sold on the m3 but still have questions. The lady at the toyota dealership (if she can be believed) told me that the repairs on mazda's are more expensive than other cars...true or not? What's your experience. Also does the Toyota have a better resale value ( I tend to keep my cars for a while so this isn't a big deal) Also, you seem to get alot more car with the M3...all disc brakes, lots of power features, more hp. Can any of you give me your opinion on this matter. There's about $2000 difference between the two, but I think that's justified with the Mazda just giving you more. What's your take??
he lady at the toyota dealership (if she can be believed) told me that the repairs on mazda's are more expensive than other cars...true or not?
Typical salesperson. Work off a simply principle that anything a salesperson says = a lie. She's trying to use fear of the unknown and Toyota's mythical reliability to push you into an ancient car design.
What's your experience.
Many mazdas. Almost no repairs until we reached brakes and such in the 80-90-100ks mile range.
Also does the Toyota have a better resale value ( I tend to keep my cars for a while so this isn't a big deal)
Yes, they do. If you keep the car five years, the gap is narrow. Keep it three and it'll bite you.
Also, you seem to get alot more car with the M3...all disc brakes, lots of power features, more hp. Can any of you give me your opinion on this matter.
The Matrix is an ancient design, built on a bland commuter car chassis. The interior alone hints at 6-7 years ago. Drive them back to back and there's no question the Mazda3 is at the top of the small car pack. Only Honda's newly redesigned civic comes close.
I currently have 2 Toyotas and my son still has an older Mazda Protege that I bought about 13 years ago. I generally agree with the replies of "blueguydotcom" above and I would personally take the Mazda 3 Sport over the Matrix. I have neither, but have driven both recently. In fact, almost bought a Matrix back in '02 but did not because of seating position, poor rear visability and didn't like the instrument cluster. I much prefer the 3 Sport and it does give you for the money IMO. The only place the Matrix may win is in the resale in the short/medium timeframe. Besides, the 3 would be more fun to drive IMO.
They are both good vehicles, but I prefer the 3 Sport.
Justifies it? Dude, we've learned to lie to salespeople because we have to.
Salesguy (SG): Asks for my phone number Reason to lie: He gets to call me if I want a call. I don't care about his records or rules or whatnot. If I want to hear from him, he'll get my real number - usually it's 1 digit off from the one I give when they ask out of the blue.
SG: So are you trading in? Reason to lie: Tell him yes and now he can lowball the price of the car. Lie and you're pushing for a real price on the car.
SG: What kind of payments do you want to make? Reason to lie: He can lowball the price, the trade-in, downpayment, etc. Always tell them you're paying cash.
They have forced us into this behavior because they can't be trusted. they're out for themselves - as they should be - and we are too. It's a relationship that's all about exploiting the other party until both parties feel comfortable. As I have zero need for a salesperson - beyond innane rules about test drives (the only way to know a car) - I have feel no problems really with them.
Dealerships would be better off, imho, offering scheduled test drives without chaperones. Schedule, arrive, drive the car, return car and then if interested, email the fleet/internet sales manager. There's no need for a guy to pop the hood, open the trunk, babble in my ear, tell me about the stereo, lie about the competition. Salesmen, to me, are a worthless impediment to selling a vehicle.
As most of my friends and family drag me along to help them buy cars, I know I'm not alone. I go for the express purpose of protecting my friends from them. The salesman lies, I correct the lie. The salesman asks for a number, I provide it. The salesman asks about the purchase, I provide the answer. I protect my loved ones from sharks or really just mosquitoes - think of my as Human DEET.
I agree with you... But salespeople are not the only crooked professionals in the world. All a consumer can do is RESEARCH, and shop around. I had a very positive experience purchasing my M3. No games, no "fuzzy math", no pressure. There are honest salespeople out there, you just have to shop around. I consider myself a militant consumer, and I trust no one until they demonstrate they are trustworthy... The world is full of sheep and wolves.
When I went into looking at cars, I went to Toyota first. The salesperson just about drilled me to get my address, phone number, name, etc..said she wanted it for the records. Then had a guy look at my car and offer me a trade in value. The sales manager that she introduced me to asked if I was going to buy or lease. I told him I didn't believe in leasing as I see it as renting and apartment and that I'd have nothing to show at the end of the lease. He made me feel like a dummy with his response of "that's because no one has explained it to you". Felt like kicking him. The sales lady then gave me a Toyota blanket in a bag and said for me to have a nice xmas.
When she called to check in on me last week I told her "you know, you never did offer to show me a matrix or even told me the price of one". She said "really? well we didn't have one when you were here...but I didn't tell you the price??". Forgot to say, they didn't even have any english brochures at this place. They had run out. My french is not that good when it comes to car specs. There goes my confidence in their selling staff.
Oh well...now will someone just buy my neon so I can buy a M3s!!! :mad:
wow...perhaps if you took the time to find a quality retailer you wouldnt have to lie to get what you think you need....OTOH, did you ever think that if you lie to people they will treat you like a a liar should be treated? its amazing how you have made such ignorant blanket statements about salespeople....maybe if you had a better attitude people might treat you better. I never defend any sleazy salesperson and I also don't tolerate sleazy customers. Consumers shouldn't tolerate and reward crappy salespeople either...but most consumers will buy from the thief/crook if they save 10 cents over the quality retailer.
wow...perhaps if you took the time to find a quality retailer you wouldnt have to lie to get what you think you need
ROFL. I've been involved with the purchase of over 12 vehicles in the past 3 years. I've been to just about every dealership in San Diego. Like politicians, if a salesman's lips are moving, he's probably lying.
its amazing how you have made such ignorant blanket statements about salespeople
It's experience. Ignorance implies one has not been exposed to something. I spent 6 months figuring out my own car in 2003. I've helped so many people buy cars that many have suggested I create a pay-for-service as I make it so easy for them - I keep the jackals at a distance and correct all of their mendacious statements.
maybe if you had a better attitude people might treat you better.
Again, you're assuming we (the consumers) have done something wrong. The moment a salesman says something untrue about the car he's showing you or lies about the competition or asks for your phone number he has crossed the line. The moment he asks if you're trading in the car you have in the parking lot, he's crossed the line. The words, "So what kind of payments do you want to make?" are the same as a shark asking where he should bite you first.
Salesmen are not needed. They are an impediment to finding a car. There is no value added to a purchase by involving a guy who is looking to make a commission - this is true in every sector that involves sales. Mendacity and salesmen go together like chocolate and peanut butter.
Well said blueguy.com. I agree that most people who go to buy a car generally dislike the process because of the sales person. There is a reason why volumes have been written about how to buy a car and how to avoid paying too much. I recently bought a new Scion tC. Scion sells at sticker price only, no exceptions. It was a good idea and experience overall. You know the price, you can concentrate on the enjoyment of buying a new car. I bought one option, the floor mats. Guess who tried to hold back one of the mats as costing "extra" until I had to tell him it was a 5 piece set and not a 4 piece set. He had forgotten that he had previously told me that he bought "the same car with the 5 piece mats" so he knew it was a 5 piece set. Even with Scions policy he tried. I didn't report it, but I should have.
perhaps if you took the time to find a quality retailer
sorry, "quality retailer" is not advertised on Edmunds
In the last few years, have u purchased a mass volume (non-luxury) vehicle outside of Mazda (or Ford Family; u know, outside the x or s plans)? If so, tell us about that 'sales' experience.
I agree that most people who go to buy a car generally dislike the process because of the sales person.
according to surveys done by industry insiders and outsiders over 70-78%(depending on the survey) of the people said the number one reason for buying the car from the dealer they selected was because they liked the salesperson. If all salespeople had horns and a tail like another poster on here implies...then the surveys would have very different results.
It's like haggling...everyone claims to hate haggling but yet almost every one price model has failed. Ford made a multi-billion dollar mistake listening to "what consuemrs wanted" in a dealership. It was called the auto collection and it was a bigger flop than the edsel. They did everything bludotcomguy wanted. the factory owned the dealerships, eliminated salespeople, very transparent sales process, one price no haggle pricing, return policies, demo cars parked out front, etc..The traditional dealers absolutely killed them and put the auto collection dealerships out of business in a years time. This happened in multiple markets nationwide and the results were the same, failure....The industry won't make that mistake again.
In many organizations the sales people do add value - to the business and to the customer.
Anyone who makes a blanket statement like "anyone selling on commission adds no value" knows very little about the world of business.
Most professional sales people sell business to business - they MUST build long term relationships with their customers - they must understand the product they sell - and understand the needs of the customer they serve - they need to know these things because if the products they sell do not help the customer then they will not get any future business. Customer / sales person relationships can last years and years and involve thousands of sales.
I have fired more than a few sales people that worked for me because they lied to a customer - the most common lie was telling a customer that we could meet a delivery date that they knew is not possible.
The problem with car sales people is really a dealership management problem - its management that sets the rules and the example.
I never said I dislike haggling - for god's sake I've spent months in 3rd world asian countries. That can be done via phone/email/fax and without a salesperson.
No haggle is worthless, imho. I don't strive to get the same price as other people. I don't look at Edmunds' TMV or care what the average person pays. That's a silly way to buy. I look for a purchase price that sets the curve, not that sits on the C scale.
Anyone who makes a blanket statement like "anyone selling on commission adds no value" knows very little about the world of business.
In business, been in business for years and graduated from business school. Salesmen are the bane of my existence - really they make life hell for anyone involved in engineering, training, support, pre-sales engineering, installations, etc. They're the guys who tell customers untrue things, sell products that don't exist and in general do anything possible to make the sale. They are not to be trusted by either their employer or the people to whom they're selling.
I have fired more than a few sales people that worked for me because they lied to a customer - the most common lie was telling a customer that we could meet a delivery date that they knew is not possible.
God bless. In all my years I've seen very few salespeople fired for lying as that'd be akin to firing someone for breathing. In my experience it's a very rare salesperson who never lies. When I meet another one, I'll let you know.
according to surveys done by industry insiders and outsiders over 70-78%(depending on the survey) of the people said the number one reason for buying the car from the dealer they selected was because they liked the salesperson.
Very true. I've been frequenting the same Mazda dealership here in Grand Rapids for a few years. Built a very easy going, honest relationship with one of the salesmen. He ended up moving on, out of the blue, and his replacement was as sleazy as they come. My wife and I found out the hard way. I went to show her the MS6 and the new interiors of the 2006 6. Now I will admit it was his first day, but come on, he didn't even know how to distinguish the 2005 6's from the 2006 6's. I had to tell him. He knew nothing about the product and really wanted us to buy TODAY! There is no value added, plain as day. I'm not blaming him, I blame the management. I will not go back there just because of it.
On the flipside, I went to a Subaru dealer for the first time the other day. Wanted to test drive a Legacy. I'll admit, I usually go into the dealer with full knowledge of the product, and test the salesman just to see if he's honest. This time, I knew very little and played that card to the salesman. Everything he said was acceptable, no "sweet talking", no numbers games. He just sold the product. One thing that bothered me, he showed the results of the IIHS crash tests where the VW and Legacy come out on top. I could have pressed the issue that the bottom performers didn't have side airbags (incl. the 6), but I let the baby have his bottle. On the test drive, he let the car do the talking. I was impressed. He even emailed me a few days later thanking me for taking interest in Subarus. I see no harm in that. Even gave me a few 2 for 1 coupons to the car show here in a few weeks. I'm now seriously considering a Legacy over a 3. Yes, because of the salesman.
Let's end the discussion about salespeople and sales tactics. There are other forums for those topics if you wish to pursue them further. Thank you for your cooperation. Now, back to the Mazda 3...
Stardrop: I think you will find Toyota a lot more expensive on repairs and general service. And why would you need repairs on a new car under a 4-year warrenty? You can also buy an extended warrenty before the 48 months is up, which would take it out to 100,000 miles. Don't get antsie, take your time, and post here for answers.
Anyone droven both the S and the I models? I want a 5 speed and I have a chance at a super-nice used I sedan at a very good price. Will i be disappointed if I don't get the S???? thanks!
The thing I think is the difference is the low end grunt of the engine. The 2.3 has tones of power but I have heard that the 2.0 has more than enough for most. It will be faster than any civic or corola.
Thanks fowler3... Looks like I'm going to have to take my time. I'm determined to sell my car privately before I buy a new one. Almost had a sweet deal thought..$22000 for a 2005 m3 gt black/tinted windows..all the bells and whistles. But the guy trading it in changed his mind.
My neon has been in the auto trader for 3 wks now, as well as the local paper and other web sites and still no real interest. Must be the time of year. It's in perfect condition, etested, safetied (sp?) and I'm only asking what DOT says the car is worth. Anyone else finding that selling a used car at this time of year isn't going so well??
I don't get it. Why lose a Mazda3 hatch because you're having a baby? Seems that's a great family car. A friend of mine uses her to cart around her 90 lbs dog. If she can fit 3 of us, gear for a weekend and that dog, I'd contend a Mazda3 hatch could easily transport a couple and their baby.
I second that. I was considering the 3 hatch, and I have 3 kids (of course I already have a minivan). Unfortunately it is not available with the efficient (and nearly as powerful) 2.0, so it is off my list, but nice car nevertheless.
Maybe the car is being sold for funds rather than a larger car - totally understand that, babies are not cheap.
Comments
16 and 17 is the diameter of the WHEEL-
a 205 55 16 and a 205 50 17 tire are the same width (205mm)
They are also about the same diameter - (right at 25 inches depending on brand)
Most of the people who work at tire stores don't even understand what the numbers on the sidewall mean - I would go over to tirerack.com and do some research - they have a good site.
You can buy 15 inch tires that are TALLER than 17 inch tires -
You can buy 15 inch tires that are wider that 17 inch tires
Good luck!
205= width of the tire in milimeter (1000 milimeter = 1 meter = 3,3feets)
55 = 55% of the width of the tire (so 205 X .55 = 113 milimeter)
16 = inset diameter of the wheel in inches
Any way to trim 14" inserts to fit?
The wiper blade reference table did not have the Mazda3 in it yet - so I had to measure - the OEM wipers are an odd size - Driver's side has a 21 inch wiper with 20.5 inches of rubber - but a 22 inch blade fits just fine.
Passenger side wiper is 18.75 - rubber is only 18.25 - a 19 inch blade on the passenger side will hit the molding on the side of the windshield - so you need to go down to an 18 inch blade.
Meade
Is it the 5-door s Touring you're looking at? I bought that exact vehicle in Titanium Gray last month and love it!
Has anyone replaced the carpet with something like rubber, or found products to protect the carpeting. The rear seats would be folded down and there's carpeting up the sides.
I'm still not decided on Civic or Mazda 3 but my gut says I'll be happier with the 3. My brain says go with a $15k Corolla S, but then my heart says listen to gut because brain's an idiot.
In comparing the hatchback Touring and Grand Touring my payments would be about $290-300 for the Touring and about $335-350 for the Grand Touring. I am trying to decide whether the GT is worth the extra 45-ish bucks a month. I equipped both with 5AT, and sunroof package.
GT is leather, where as T is cloth. No big deal for me.
GT is auto climate control, T is manual. Also no big deal.
GT has HIDs, T doesn't. Again, no problem.
GT has the Bose stereo, T doesn't. I could add my own amp/sub with savings.
It seems that, while the GT is an extremely well equipped vehicle, the T is just fine for $45 less per month. As far as I can tell, the above are the only differences correct? Is there anything that I am missing that could swing me to the GT?
BTW I think Mazda could do a better job in listing all the features on each trim and options in a table like Toyota and Honda's sites do.
I currently have a 2001 Dodge Neon 5sp (that I bought new) and am looking for a new car. Oh the confusion. I've got it narrowed down to the matrix or mazda 3 sport. I'm about 80% sold on the m3 but still have questions.
The lady at the toyota dealership (if she can be believed) told me that the repairs on mazda's are more expensive than other cars...true or not? What's your experience. Also does the Toyota have a better resale value ( I tend to keep my cars for a while so this isn't a big deal)
Also, you seem to get alot more car with the M3...all disc brakes, lots of power features, more hp. Can any of you give me your opinion on this matter.
There's about $2000 difference between the two, but I think that's justified with the Mazda just giving you more. What's your take??
Thanks for your comments!
Heather T.
Typical salesperson. Work off a simply principle that anything a salesperson says = a lie. She's trying to use fear of the unknown and Toyota's mythical reliability to push you into an ancient car design.
What's your experience.
Many mazdas. Almost no repairs until we reached brakes and such in the 80-90-100ks mile range.
Also does the Toyota have a better resale value ( I tend to keep my cars for a while so this isn't a big deal)
Yes, they do. If you keep the car five years, the gap is narrow. Keep it three and it'll bite you.
Also, you seem to get alot more car with the M3...all disc brakes, lots of power features, more hp. Can any of you give me your opinion on this matter.
The Matrix is an ancient design, built on a bland commuter car chassis. The interior alone hints at 6-7 years ago. Drive them back to back and there's no question the Mazda3 is at the top of the small car pack. Only Honda's newly redesigned civic comes close.
funny...its the same principal that salespeople have towards consumers.
They are both good vehicles, but I prefer the 3 Sport.
Salesguy (SG): Asks for my phone number
Reason to lie: He gets to call me if I want a call. I don't care about his records or rules or whatnot. If I want to hear from him, he'll get my real number - usually it's 1 digit off from the one I give when they ask out of the blue.
SG: So are you trading in?
Reason to lie: Tell him yes and now he can lowball the price of the car. Lie and you're pushing for a real price on the car.
SG: What kind of payments do you want to make?
Reason to lie: He can lowball the price, the trade-in, downpayment, etc. Always tell them you're paying cash.
They have forced us into this behavior because they can't be trusted. they're out for themselves - as they should be - and we are too. It's a relationship that's all about exploiting the other party until both parties feel comfortable. As I have zero need for a salesperson - beyond innane rules about test drives (the only way to know a car) - I have feel no problems really with them.
Dealerships would be better off, imho, offering scheduled test drives without chaperones. Schedule, arrive, drive the car, return car and then if interested, email the fleet/internet sales manager. There's no need for a guy to pop the hood, open the trunk, babble in my ear, tell me about the stereo, lie about the competition. Salesmen, to me, are a worthless impediment to selling a vehicle.
As most of my friends and family drag me along to help them buy cars, I know I'm not alone. I go for the express purpose of protecting my friends from them. The salesman lies, I correct the lie. The salesman asks for a number, I provide it. The salesman asks about the purchase, I provide the answer. I protect my loved ones from sharks or really just mosquitoes - think of my as Human DEET.
When she called to check in on me last week I told her "you know, you never did offer to show me a matrix or even told me the price of one". She said "really? well we didn't have one when you were here...but I didn't tell you the price??". Forgot to say, they didn't even have any english brochures at this place. They had run out. My french is not that good when it comes to car specs.
There goes my confidence in their selling staff.
Oh well...now will someone just buy my neon so I can buy a M3s!!! :mad:
Thanks
Heather T.
ROFL. I've been involved with the purchase of over 12 vehicles in the past 3 years. I've been to just about every dealership in San Diego. Like politicians, if a salesman's lips are moving, he's probably lying.
its amazing how you have made such ignorant blanket statements about salespeople
It's experience. Ignorance implies one has not been exposed to something. I spent 6 months figuring out my own car in 2003. I've helped so many people buy cars that many have suggested I create a pay-for-service as I make it so easy for them - I keep the jackals at a distance and correct all of their mendacious statements.
maybe if you had a better attitude people might treat you better.
Again, you're assuming we (the consumers) have done something wrong. The moment a salesman says something untrue about the car he's showing you or lies about the competition or asks for your phone number he has crossed the line. The moment he asks if you're trading in the car you have in the parking lot, he's crossed the line. The words, "So what kind of payments do you want to make?" are the same as a shark asking where he should bite you first.
Salesmen are not needed. They are an impediment to finding a car. There is no value added to a purchase by involving a guy who is looking to make a commission - this is true in every sector that involves sales. Mendacity and salesmen go together like chocolate and peanut butter.
I recently bought a new Scion tC. Scion sells at sticker price only, no exceptions. It was a good idea and experience overall. You know the price, you can concentrate on the enjoyment of buying a new car. I bought one option, the floor mats. Guess who tried to hold back one of the mats as costing "extra" until I had to tell him it was a 5 piece set and not a 4 piece set. He had forgotten that he had previously told me that he bought "the same car with the 5 piece mats" so he knew it was a 5 piece set. Even with Scions policy he tried. I didn't report it, but I should have.
sorry, "quality retailer" is not advertised on Edmunds
In the last few years, have u purchased a mass volume (non-luxury) vehicle outside of Mazda (or Ford Family; u know, outside the x or s plans)? If so, tell us about that 'sales' experience.
according to surveys done by industry insiders and outsiders over 70-78%(depending on the survey) of the people said the number one reason for buying the car from the dealer they selected was because they liked the salesperson. If all salespeople had horns and a tail like another poster on here implies...then the surveys would have very different results.
It's like haggling...everyone claims to hate haggling but yet almost every one price model has failed. Ford made a multi-billion dollar mistake listening to "what consuemrs wanted" in a dealership. It was called the auto collection and it was a bigger flop than the edsel. They did everything bludotcomguy wanted. the factory owned the dealerships, eliminated salespeople, very transparent sales process, one price no haggle pricing, return policies, demo cars parked out front, etc..The traditional dealers absolutely killed them and put the auto collection dealerships out of business in a years time. This happened in multiple markets nationwide and the results were the same, failure....The industry won't make that mistake again.
now back to the Mazda3...
Anyone who makes a blanket statement like "anyone selling on commission adds no value" knows very little about the world of business.
Most professional sales people sell business to business - they MUST build long term relationships with their customers - they must understand the product they sell - and understand the needs of the customer they serve - they need to know these things because if the products they sell do not help the customer then they will not get any future business. Customer / sales person relationships can last years and years and involve thousands of sales.
I have fired more than a few sales people that worked for me because they lied to a customer - the most common lie was telling a customer that we could meet a delivery date that they knew is not possible.
The problem with car sales people is really a dealership management problem - its management that sets the rules and the example.
No haggle is worthless, imho. I don't strive to get the same price as other people. I don't look at Edmunds' TMV or care what the average person pays. That's a silly way to buy. I look for a purchase price that sets the curve, not that sits on the C scale.
Anyone who makes a blanket statement like "anyone selling on commission adds no value" knows very little about the world of business.
In business, been in business for years and graduated from business school. Salesmen are the bane of my existence - really they make life hell for anyone involved in engineering, training, support, pre-sales engineering, installations, etc. They're the guys who tell customers untrue things, sell products that don't exist and in general do anything possible to make the sale. They are not to be trusted by either their employer or the people to whom they're selling.
I have fired more than a few sales people that worked for me because they lied to a customer - the most common lie was telling a customer that we could meet a delivery date that they knew is not possible.
God bless. In all my years I've seen very few salespeople fired for lying as that'd be akin to firing someone for breathing. In my experience it's a very rare salesperson who never lies. When I meet another one, I'll let you know.
Very true. I've been frequenting the same Mazda dealership here in Grand Rapids for a few years. Built a very easy going, honest relationship with one of the salesmen. He ended up moving on, out of the blue, and his replacement was as sleazy as they come. My wife and I found out the hard way. I went to show her the MS6 and the new interiors of the 2006 6. Now I will admit it was his first day, but come on, he didn't even know how to distinguish the 2005 6's from the 2006 6's. I had to tell him. He knew nothing about the product and really wanted us to buy TODAY! There is no value added, plain as day. I'm not blaming him, I blame the management. I will not go back there just because of it.
On the flipside, I went to a Subaru dealer for the first time the other day. Wanted to test drive a Legacy. I'll admit, I usually go into the dealer with full knowledge of the product, and test the salesman just to see if he's honest. This time, I knew very little and played that card to the salesman. Everything he said was acceptable, no "sweet talking", no numbers games. He just sold the product. One thing that bothered me, he showed the results of the IIHS crash tests where the VW and Legacy come out on top. I could have pressed the issue that the bottom performers didn't have side airbags (incl. the 6), but I let the baby have his bottle. On the test drive, he let the car do the talking. I was impressed. He even emailed me a few days later thanking me for taking interest in Subarus. I see no harm in that. Even gave me a few 2 for 1 coupons to the car show here in a few weeks. I'm now seriously considering a Legacy over a 3. Yes, because of the salesman.
Fowler3
The thing I think is the difference is the low end grunt of the engine. The 2.3 has tones of power but I have heard that the 2.0 has more than enough for most. It will be faster than any civic or corola.
Looks like I'm going to have to take my time. I'm determined to sell my car privately before I buy a new one. Almost had a sweet deal thought..$22000 for a 2005 m3 gt black/tinted windows..all the bells and whistles. But the guy trading it in changed his mind.
My neon has been in the auto trader for 3 wks now, as well as the local paper and other web sites and still no real interest. Must be the time of year. It's in perfect condition, etested, safetied (sp?) and I'm only asking what DOT says the car is worth. Anyone else finding that selling a used car at this time of year isn't going so well??
Maybe the car is being sold for funds rather than a larger car - totally understand that, babies are not cheap.
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