Mazda RX-8 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

earlfargis

I largely agree with you. There's no doubt, like the Z and the RX8, the 'Stang will have its full-sticker day in the sun until all the 'I gotta have this car' types are done flooding dealerships. My real point is that the 'Stang is going to suck sales from other budget sports/sporty cars like the Z and the RX8. Which, for buyers of those cars, gives them more haggling power with dealers.

Like you said, there's no perfect car. But I'd quickly add for each person there's a car more suited for them. For me, it's the Z. A lot of buzz has been made about its cheap plastic bits but, IMHO, it has the best interior layout of the bargain basement sports cars -- that's a broad categorization. It's a driver-oriented car to the point you feel like it was poured around you. It's a no compromise sports car (within the context of its beer budget price range). Which is why you'll either love it or hate it. No back seat for the kiddies. No place to lug the mulch. A firm ride (Euro-tuned for '05) so you can drive like a bat from Hades with confidence. Lousy visibility so it looks cool and is aerodynamic. And, until the 'Stang GT rolls out at 300 HP, it's the near-300HP price leader (rumor has it the '05 may get a HP boost over the current 287).

It's been through the 2-year quality control shakedown the RX8 is in the midst of. Both cars have quality control issues (read the forums). The Z's tire "feathering" problem (why you see so many used ones) is the worst one of the bunch. If that gets fixed, as expected, for '05 (along with a laundry list of other fixes and upgrades), it's where my money is probably going.

Enjoy your RX8. Maybe I'll one day pass you on the highway and give you a honk and a wave! 8^)

graphicguy

Generally, I can't disagree with you.

My sister works for Ford. She's a Mustang "fanatic". Even though Ford has a stake in Mazda, she's bleeds the blue oval. She's the rule with Ford rather than the exception. She believes Mazda is a "fuhrin" car and wouldn't want anything to do with it.

So, using her as a very non-scientific guage, I don't know how much cross shopping there will be between a Mustang and the RX8 & 350z/G35c.

Those that want v8 muscle don't really look towards 6 cyl or, good heavens, a rotary powered vehicle...no matter how good they may be.

Ford has been "hit & miss" recently with regards to their recent introductions....Thunderbird being a case in point. They seem to have a hit on their hands with their new trucks, however. I predict their Escape hybrid could be sold out for a while.

I've seen the new Mustang 3 or 4 times at the auto shows, now. I do find it intriguing, but still don't know whther I'd "plunk" down my money for one. When I first saw the RX8 at the Detroit autoshow 2 years ago, I was immediately smitten....even before I drove one.

My sister gets a new Mustang GT convertible every year. I can't understand it since from one year to the next, they really haven't changed all that much. She'll be getting one of the new Mustang GTs (don't know if the convertible will be immediately available) as she's already got her "pre-order" in. So, I'll get an early look/drive in short order.

Then the continual debates will ensue....how she'll spank me away from a stop light and how I'll dress her up and down when the road isn't straight (while she picks up the radio knobs off the floor or have the shifter "ball" come off in her hands).

lee_w

Let's get back to Prices Paid and Buying Experience please!

lee_w

Let's get back to the subject of Prices Paid. That is what people are looking for here! Thanks,

graphicguy

No offense, but what happened to our friend Mr_Shiftright?

spkurtz

I got a quote over the phone this week for the following setup:

6-speed
Grand Touring Pkg
Appearance Pkg
Rotary Accent Pkg
Cassette
In-dash 6 CD
Cargo Net
Rear Wing
Spoiler
Spare Tire Kit

MSRP: $33,699

Will sell for: $29,979

Or lease: 36 month / 10k per year / $450 down / $355.87 per month including tax, title, etc.

Sounds good, eh?

graphicguy

Looking at the options and the price, the dealer is off. I'd say they are "lowballing" you to get you into the dealership. Once there, they may or may not make the same offer.

Only one way to find out though, go to the dealership and sign the deal on paper. That's the only way to find out if it's real or not. You might find that they "claim" they made a mistake or that there are other unusual "fees" involved.

Good luck in your pursuit. The RX8 is a great car.

howac

I agree with graphicguy. The deal looks extremely good (almost too good to be true). Crunching some rough numbers, if we assume a residual of 60% for 36mo @ 10k miles per year, the money factor has to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 0.00150 (~3.6% interest) and your state tax has to be around 7%.

These numbers are possible if Mazda has some special lease programs. Best thing to do is to check with Car_Man over at the "Lease Questions - Ask Here" forum.

smat74

How's this for a story:
I went to the dealer today looking to test drive a Mazda3s manual. While waiting for the one available 5-speed to be returned by another shopper, the salesperson asks me why not look at the Mazda6? I replied that I wanted something sporty and fun to drive. While we're waiting, let's go out in the RX-8 just for fun, she says.

Needless to say, one test drive won me over and I jumped from a Mazda3 to the RX-8.

What to you think?:
6MT
Grand Touring Pkg
Appearance Package
6-CD Changer
Rear Wing Spoiler
Navigation System
Rotary Accent Package
Lease Vehicle Price (S-Plan): $32,032

Lease Deal:
24 months, 12k miles/mo.
$3500 Down Payment was REBATED.
Monthly: $436/mo
Total Drive-Off: 1st pmt ($436) + Sec Dep ($450) + tax on rebate ($210) + title/license ($??)
=~$1200.

Pretty Good Deal, I think.

Sesi Mazda in Ann Arbor, Michigan

vtlc

I bot mine for 34K and optioned as above. Its been 9 months now and 9K miles and I love the drive, too bad I have multiple issues with my car. Good Luck on your Lease.

chicagorob

I just saw an ad in last Saturdays paper for RX8 (brand new, not demo etc.) for $219 / month, 2000 cap reduction, 12K year for 48 moths. This is on the automatic transmission/sports (fairly well stripped down). I would imagine by adding a few options and upgrading to the 6MT would still arrive at a pretty good lease. I don't get it. Can anyone explain or suggest what a very good deal would be for a 6mt sport pkg and comfort pkg be for a 36 or 48 month lease (10k/year would be fine), assume 2000 for cap reduction (lets leave sales tax out of the discussion (I'll pay that at lease signing as well). Please help debating between MY 04 BMW 325i (SMG, spts pkg) and an RX8 6mt/Spts/Cmft pkg
thanks

fugly

128 Mazda here in MA advertised 40+ rx8's and the base model was 21995. I wouldn't get the base model, but its a good negotiating point.

carliker

chicagorob - I'd easily get the RX-8 over the BMW 325i. First of all, the RX-8 is more unique and attractive. You get more options in the RX-8 for a lower price than the BMW. Most importantly, the RX-8 is more powerful and accelerates quicker. 238HP vs. 184HP. Even if the BMW has great handling, the RX-8 is tough to beat in that department as well.

fugly - By base model, are you talking about the automatic version. I don't know if those are selling very well...meaning that I wouldn't assume the 6MT are going to be just as low since the AT versions are.

graphicguy

My dealer tells me that, by far, the 6-speed outsells the automatics.

They don't even carry base automatics, as they are the slowest seller of all RX8s.

fugly

I know it was a 4A, I was just saying, "its a good negotiating point"..

Last quote I got was:
6 speed
Grand Touring pkg.
Rear spoiler
6 Disc Changer
Navigation System.
Silver with black leather.

out at $29,955..

Its pretty good, but I was hoping for better.. Whatcha think?

rorr

Invoice on the car with the options you list, including destination charge, is $31,026. Even with a $500 college grad rebate, the price you list is still more than $500 under invoice.

If you think you can do better, knock yourself out.

carliker

At that price, I'd also watch out for the interest rate they are willing to give and other hidden costs. For all those options, you can't do better than that.

commofficer

Just thought I would run this buy you guys.

Sunday Aug, 1st paper
$299/month
No money down
24 month lease
12k/month miles

Given it is probably stripped but it's a hell of a lot better than the 93 Protege with 200k miles I am driving now.
What are the seats like in the RX8? Adj. lumber on the base model?

I want a Mini but this deal is really good and the Mini is really expensive right now. They go for MSRP in OKC unlike some of the coasts where I have heard they ask for money over MSRP.

Thanks for your input
Phil

graphicguy

Lease deals are hard to compare. I've looked at some in the past, being lured by the $xxx/mo with no money down. Only to find out that there are hundreds, even thousands in front end or back end fees. My guess is it is a stripped model, but the only way to tell is to go to the dealership and find out (which is the purpose of the ad to begin with).

Seats are some of the most comfortable I've ever had in a sports car.

MINIs have been rife with build issues. In OH, their allure has waned quite a bit. Don't know if they're selling less than MSRP, though. Since there aren't many dealers in any town for them, there aren't enough places to get competitive bids.

I have a friend who has one. If he wasn't so "upside" down financially in it, he'd probably already sold it.

commofficer

I did what you suggested and took a ride in the advertised car. It's actually a clean deal. Mazda is offering a $2500 incentive on 24 month leases and a special interest rate. This car was an automatic, blue, and I guess all the basic features which are plenty in my book. Even keyless entry and CD player. Seats were nice but the legroom is tight. Not much width either for your knees. I have to rest my knee on the center console and the door trim if someone sits in the back, which won't be often. I did notice that being 6' means I can't get a sunroof and no spare tire is included. Gas mileage seems a little low. I'll have to think about it and see. I'm in no rush but thought this one needed a little attention since it seemed too low to be true.

Thanks again for your input.
Phil

graphicguy

Winning Blue....my favorite color (and the color I own).

I'm 6' and don't have any trouble with "knee room", but I do use the "dead peddle" when cruising. The rest of the time I'm rowing the gears, which you won't do in an automatic.

Sunroof doesn't bother me, but I've got a longer torso than I do legs.

Spare tire would take up too much room in the trunk, and add weight. When's the last time you had a flat tire? Roadside assistance should take care of any flats if they occur.

MPG isn't the RX8s strong suite.

Sounds like a good deal. Curious about marketing money kicked in for a 24 month lease. Mazda must think they can make some money on these a couple of years down the road. Is the lease deal only for automatics?

jw52

According to the "Lease Questions - Ask Here" thread, the current cash incentive for 24 month leases on the RX-8 is $4250. The money factor is .00315 with a residual of 65% for the manual at 12,000 miles per year. The residual is 2% lower for 15,000 per year.

nojets

Anyone have an idea when the 2005 RX8's will be in dealers?

graphicguy

Just a guess, but perhaps September?

pokadots

The 24 month program is great. I paid out 1800
which included 1st month payment no security deposit monthly bill is 272.00 per month. I have automatic with many bells and wistles total msrp
30,750
BEST OF ALL THE CAR IS GREAT

nodrums

We finally decided that this was the time to obtain a fast mover. After research it came down to the obvious three. RX 8 , S2000, Z.
S 2000, total performance, numbers were good.
Z , nice but deals were pricey. The first choice was the RX 8 without a test drive. Our local dealer had no manuals to test drive. We went to their sister store and the salesman quoted us numbers that were below cost with a favorable trade. Could not test drive, none available till the next day.
Well the next day came, and off we went. Honda handed us the keys and told us not to run out of gas. At Mazda we were limited to local roads and some stretches of 4 lanes. Within 15 minutes we were back at the dealer. We both agreed without saying a word that this car was boring. The Miata has more personality and fun to drive factor. In fact the Protege 5 we have, has the Zoom Zoom Zoom.
I am over 50, and found this was the old mans sports car. Keep the heated seats, the 10 gigawatt stereo, the pleasant ride and the back seats. Bring back the ghost of the RX 7

kdog

Can some of you RX-8 owners tell me if you have to add oil quite frequently, even for a NEW RX-8.
If so, does it sound odd?
Thanks.

graphicguy

Does the RX8 sound odd? No! It sounds wonderful. I never tire of hearing it as it winds up and down the RPM range. It's kind of like having an Indy racer racer and the way they sound as they hit high RPMs.

Oil useage, is by design, a part of the rotary engine. Nothing to worry about. Just check the oil every 2nd or 3rd fill-up. That takes all of about 5 seconds.

Rotaries are known for their durability. I've seen more than a couple RX7s with well over 200K miles. The RENESIS should prove to be even better than those rotaries.

htownpimp786

Hey hows everyone doing.

I have a deal going and just wanted to know your thoughts. Im getting the Rx-8 automatic with the grand touring package......theyre selling it to me at invoice. Since im going to lease it im also going to get atleast 3500 in incentives, and about 500 of the 750 dealer cash as well......is buying this car at invoice a good idea? Let me know thanks

anshul_rx8

I went to a couple of dealers yesterday and got some quotes:
1)6 speed + spoiler and sport package for 36 month lease $2000 down 289/month includes tax

2) 6 speed + grand touring package for 24 month lease $2600 down --- 270/month

I havent bargained at all what do you guys think?

graphicguy

In all honesty, it's tough to tell whether prices are good or bad.

On a lease, usually the terms call for many fees on the front and back end that are added to the deal. For example, there are lease inception fees or lease termination fees that can run several hundred dollars. In addition, we don't know what money factors are being used or what the final buyout price would be.

jalal28

For the 6 speed + grand touring package that figure seems about right. Assuming Mazda is offering the normal lease package of a 65% residual on the 24 month lease and just over $5,000 dealer incentives with a .00315 money factor (they're increasing the money factor to offset the large cash incentive).

Be sure you realize that the $2,600 is the cap cost reduction and that your total out of pocket cost would be something closer to $3,200 to drive off the lot (equals $300 documentation fees + $270 1st months payment + $2,600 cap cost reduction). Without the cap cost reduction payment would be closer to $395

zelig2

Graphicguy,

Where did you get your car from in Ohio? I'm in Columbus and I'm trying to find a good reputable dealership. Currently I've been talking with Buyers Mazda.

307web

Sounds super cheap.
$1800 up front and $272 monthly.
What options did it have over the standard equipment?
How long is this deal good for?

What a huge difference from a year ago when they first came out.
They must not be selling anywhere as fast as they hoped. Maybe the model will be dropped in a few years if they have to discount that much to move them nowadays.

pokadots

The sticker price was aprox 30,600.00
I have auto, leather, large wheels, spare tire,
many other nice options. The 1800 included first payment and no security deposit. The car was
bought in New Jersey. Understand that there is a $1,000 rebate. This is not offered through out
the country. My cousin in Arizona was looking
for similar car and she paid 360 per month
with 2600 out of pocket (understand that there
are more taxes and fees in AZ)

habitat1

I hate to say "I told you so", but when the RX8 first arrived and folks were gladly paying full MSRP, I predicted that it would be selling at $1,000 over invoice after 6-9 months. Now it's selling $1,000 below invoice here in the DC area. I think Mazda just grossly overestimated the demand for the car. Had they made it an even more expensive, higher powered, limited production "halo" car, they probably would be doing better. But, unfortunately, Mazda cannot afford to have a halo car, given their current slow selling base lineup.

I won't make any other predictions. I didn't do as well with my stock investments.

rostasteve

pokadots...What dealership in NJ gave you this deal? I live in NY and I've been getting $400ish for a 6sp+grand touring with a similar first payment.

habitat1

I hate to say "I told you so", but when the RX8 first arrived and folks were gladly paying full MSRP, I predicted that it would be selling at $1,000 over invoice after 6-9 months. Now it's selling $1,000 below invoice here in the DC area. I think Mazda just grossly overestimated the demand for the car. Had they made it an even more expensive, higher powered, limited production "halo" car, they probably would be doing better. But, unfortunately, Mazda cannot afford to have a halo car, given their current slow selling base lineup.

I won't make any other predictions. I didn't do as well with my stock investments.

nojets

Selling RX8s for $1000 UNDER invoice in the Washington DC area? I doubt it. I find you can usually bargain a dealer down to a couple of hundred dollars under what carsdirect.com offer the car at. Below that, they start squealing. So since Carsdirect.com is currently offering RX8s at $850 OVER invoice in the Washington DC area (I used zip code 22031), I think a grand under invoice is a bit of a fantasy...

habitat1

I only have anecdotal evidence.

One of the architects in a firm we do business with picked up a new RX8 6-speed with the "grand touring" package, navigation system and a couple of other items for $29,900 at dealer in Anne Arundel county. He joked that he kept it within the firms car allowance budget of $30,000. He indicated that was about $1,000 under invoice. Perhaps there were rebates at the time (May +/-)?

For what it's worth, the Carsdirect price on my 2004 TL 6-speed navigation purchase in April/May was listed at $500 under MSRP. I bought out of the immediate area for $1,000 over invoice, $2,200 under MSRP. That was a $1,700 difference at that time.

graphicguy

I'm seeing a lot of deals for sports cars given this is the "end of model year".

I was just flying through Atlanta on business. Picked up their newspaper. While I did see some lease deals for the RX8, those are hard to compare in an "apples-to-apples" price comparison since fees, residuals, money rates, etc are all fairly different.

What I did notice is a Nissan dealership ad stating that they had 30 350Zs in stock...all at $3K under MSRP. Also saw an Infinity dealer ad stating more or less the same thing for a G coupe.

nojets

I stand corrected Habitat1. I open my newspaper this morning here in Southern California and Browning Mazda are offering $4,000 off MSRP on all 2004 RX8s they have in stock. That's about $1000 under invoice. Isn't it nice when someone admits they are wrong!

habitat1

We all make the occassional mistake. It just takes class and integrity to adimit it. Hat's off to you.

audia8q

according to another poster, they read that the RX8 will be one of KBB top ten resale value cars...

If the RX-8 was doing poorly, wouldn't the resale values project the poor sales by having poor resale values?

qbrozen

to an extent, I agree with you, audia8q. however, selling a car near invoice does not mean its doing poorly, nor does it mean it will have poor resale. Just look at the Accord. Sells extremely well and has incredible resale, but you can buy it for $100 over invoice in a heartbeat. so i guess what i'm saying is, whereas the RX8 may not be selling "poorly", it very well may be selling near invoice.

Of course, predicting resale is like predicting if it will rain on a tuesday in June next year.

pokadots

Yeah the dealership was Maxon, route 22 union new Jersey. Interesting I have a dilema what would you do I can buy the car now for $22,729 or I can buy at the end of lease for $19485 (both plus tax etc) difference 3244 or make 23 payments at 272 and turn in car.

cjs2002

well I went to my local dealor today because they where running a lease deal on a RX8 with 0 down for 24 months for 299. I stoped in to inquire about it and it was for a RX8 with auto, and sport package... the only thing I'd pay would be the first months payment and I'd be off and driving... but I didn't want to rush into anything befor I asked here and checked out what others might be paying... yet reading through some of these posts with people paying 289 with 1600 down for one with the grand touring package I wonder if I could get away with this one being even less... it has all i want in it (granted I'd prefer to have leather but circumstances are making that impossible) anyways I told them that the crossfire is also running a lease for the same payment (granted its 36 months but I didn't tell em that) any ways I got the crossfire to go for 289 after taxes (which I also haven't botherd to tell the chyrsler dealer I can get the friends and family discount) so I'm thinking about going back to mazda and saying listen I like there car just as mutch can you match that price or beat it... if not I'm gonna go back to them and tell em about my discount and just get there car instead... do you think that would work...? its my first time going about leasing or buying a car from a dealor... and I have perfect credit... so do you think I could get them to swing lower payments?... though unfortunatly the RX8 they have on the lot is a red one and I swore never to buy a red car... so I already told em I'd need a different color and they said it shouldn't be mutch of a problem...any thoughts or helpful negotiation tips you could offer... I'd really apriciate it... my father is out of town for the next couple of days and so I'm really out on my own here... normally he would be the one to haggle... so this is a first for me... feel free to email me at CjsG35@hotmail.com I'd really like the help... I plan on going back there tomorrow to start negotiating

307web

Most likely you have to to put more than just the first payment to get $299 per month for 24 months. Even is there is no "down payment" or "cap reduction," there are other lease fees, taxes and registration, deposits etc. that they will want up front.
If all you have to do is give them a check for $299 up front, then pay 23 more payments of $299 and nothing else when you return the car in 24 months, then it is a bargain and it probably won't even be there tomorrow.

cjs2002

I called them again this afternoon and yes, its 299 down and 299 a month.. its a special the dealers running (said something about cash back and special things from mazda... bla bla bla) anyways is that good then or what? I haven't really done in depth research on the car and prices so any help would be great and thank you for the comments

307web

That sounds like a good deal, but I bet there is more to it than that. They can say anything to you on the phone verbally.
When you get down there and actually try to lease it and look at what they put in writing, I bet there will be a bunch of other fees they forgot to mention on the phone, or it is more than 24 months or less than 12,000 miles per year allowed.
At the least, you can expect DMV fees, acquisition fee, security deposit, may gap insurance fees are extra and sales taxes on the payment will be needed.