2013 and Earlier - Mazda3 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • rinebirdrinebird Member Posts: 83
    I can refer you to a dealer where I got my Mazda 3 i in Philadelphia they have Awards for service etc. I bought it over the internet after going to a dealer in NJ near me who would not sell for a price I wanted to pay.I went to Phila and got a fair price to me,according to what edmunds price; I did great.

    You can email her the ( sales person) and she may be able to deilver in Md who knows?I went to about 6 dealers many cars. two Mazda dealers same car much different price and less hazzle.
  • birdman579birdman579 Member Posts: 151
    What dealer did you use in Philly? I would be very interested because that's a short 2 hour drive from my house in Maryland. Thanks rinebird.
  • mibomanmiboman Member Posts: 13
    Regarding the price increase announced by Mazda, I think some of the increase is a result of the demand for the 3. However, I wonder if exchange rate fluctuations also had a role in the decision. I believe all of the 3's are manufactured in Japan. Dollar has fallen about 10% against Yen since late last fall, so maybe Mazda increased prices to make up the difference.
  • alphaq301alphaq301 Member Posts: 5
    Anyone get a good deal for their 3 in the San Francisco bay area? If so let me know what dealer you went to. thanks
  • howachowac Member Posts: 52
    We got ours from Fremont Mazda (Magnussen's Ford/Nissan/Mazda). Went through their Internet department. The Internet sales manager was very professional. The F&I person was also nice and not pushy at all. It was a great experience and we got a very good price. E-mail me for more details if you'd like.
  • bm3bm3 Member Posts: 4
    hi everyone. im new to the forum btw. after driving many different cars of all makes and models, i am really happy with the Mazda 3. I have a few questions i hope you guys can help me with:
    1) the car i want is in a different city about 5 hrs away from where i live(Midwest)...I found this after much searching on mazdausa.com.... the dealers in my area do not have the exact car i want. should I ask a local dealer if he is willing to negotiate on this car and have it delivered, and what is the best way to approach this? with my printed window sticker in hand, or...?
    2) i want the nav system since its useful and looks nifty:) but does anyone have any real-world experience with it? is it worth it?
    3) one dealer had a car i liked but it has cloth seats. he said he can put in some aftermarket ones for around a 1000 dollars which would be "even better than factory" is this bogus or legit? anyone have any experience with this?
    4) my dream car: 4 door sedan, black leather interior, ABS/SAB/SAC, Sport Pkg, Xenon/TPMS, 4spd AT, NAV system.. MSRP: $21665.00. how much could i reasonably get it down?
    Thanks:)
  • drywalldrywall Member Posts: 18
    bm3 - welcome!

    I can really only speak to questions 1 and 4.

    As for question 1: My experience in shopping for my 3, which I just got last week, is that mazdausa.com's inventory information is often unreliable, listing cars that have already sold, or cars that dealers haven't received yet, so don't put too much stock into it. Your best bet is to contact a local dealer and have them do the work of tracking it down. If you agree to buy the car from them, they know all the have to is find what you want and they're guaranteed a sale. You don't need a window sticker or even the VIN for the one 5 hours away you've IDed. Just be sure to tell the dealer exactly what you want, and that if s/he can find that exact vehicle, you're ready to buy.

    As for #4: Seems to really depend on the dealer. The car I really wanted was at a dealer about 30 miles from me, but they would only sell for $250 below MSRP. I found a dealer 70 miles away willing to sell me the same car for invoice -- I just had to wait a few days from them to do a swap with the dealer closer to me. So call around a bit. It helped that I was making calls at the end of the month, at which point many salespeople are much more quota-sensitive and willing to give better deals. Also, every day that goes by is a day closer to the '05s arriving, which may help you get a better deal. But really, I'd just say, don't pay more than $100 more than the Edmunds TMV for your dream car.

    Hope this helps. Just out of curiosity, what other cars did you drive before deciding on the 3?
  • bm3bm3 Member Posts: 4
    thanks drywall,
    i drove a bunch of cars of many different types... SUV's(Jeep liberty, RAV4,CRV), honda civic, scion xB, scion tC. i had my heart set on the tC before i drove it, but i took it for a test drive and found it to be really cramped for me, i didnt like some of the finish on it( most of it was excellent, but in the car i drove some of the panels were loose-:).i just really wanted a sporty, sexy looking car that was different but also practical..
  • drewd7drewd7 Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased a Mazda 3i last night, only options were air and automatic for $13988. That worked out to about $15,200 out the door. Was this a good deal?
  • bm3bm3 Member Posts: 4
    Dear BM3,

    Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate
    the opportunity to respond to you.

    In regard to your inquiry, the 2005 MAZDA3 is currently scheduled to be
    released in October. Unfortunately, we don't have any specific
    information or pricing on the 2005 MAZDA3 at this time.

    Please take a moment to give us your opinion about our e-mail service.
    Click or paste the link below to complete a brief, online survey.

    - so October is confirmed. i guess it is safe to say that nobody really knows what changes, if any, are going to come.
  • runinrunin Member Posts: 30
    Seems like if this price is right that you were about $1,000 under invoice. If that is true, its the best deal I've heard of for a 3 so far. Congratulations on your new car. Hope you like it as much as I like mine.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    go back a bit...I posted the chagnes for 2005 a while ago.
  • harddrivetharddrivet Member Posts: 90
    Specs.
    Mazda 3i
    Silver
    Power
    MT
    6 CD and cassette
    ABS
    Moonroof

    Got it for $100 over dealer invoice.
    Had it a week so far and am having a great time driving it.

    Keep on Zoom Zoomin !
  • asammartasammart Member Posts: 1
    I am looking to buy my first car--which, if all the stars align, will be a 3s 5-door, AT with ABS/SAB/SAC.

    I found a price on carsdirect that is $300 over the Consumer Reports wholesale price and $800 less than I have been quoted from a dealer (or what edmunds expects me to pay).

    This sounds to me like a decent deal, and since I'm a young, female and know little about cars, I am terrified of going into a dealership. But does anyone have any experience w/carsdirect? Is it worth going through them? Is there some catch that I'm just not aware of?
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    I'd say grab it off of carsdirect. Sometimes it's hard finding a car without the moonroof unless it's got NO options whatsoever (seems like it's got the roof if it's got anything). The catch is no one might have it, but you can always take that price you got from carsdirect and see if the dealer improves their offer a bit.

    Don't be too terrified of dealers. They're human, just like you. Keep in mind they're there to make as much money for them as possible, and you're there to pay as little as possible, and at some point you guys will meet somewhere in the middle that seems reasonable for both of you. The fact that you have that price from carsdirect.com means you have some leverage when it comes to negotiating.

    Just make sure you're financing is already approved, and negotiate based on final price; don't let them turn it into a negotiation based on monthly payments. Keep it simple and it'll make it easier for you.
  • scoltzscoltz Member Posts: 2
    2.3 Manual/Sport
    Moonroof
    6 Disc CD
    ABS/ Side airbags
    Side sill extensions

    S-Plan out the door for $200 below invoice. Manual 2.3 is just more fun to drive.
  • bunk1968bunk1968 Member Posts: 119
    Did you purchase the Hatch or the Sedan? What color?
    ** DOES ANYONE KNOW if it is best to wheel and deal with a salesman before telling them you can get the "S" plan?
    I guess what I mean is, if I were to go in and try to get a slalesman to the lowest price possible and then tell him I know someone that can get me the "S" plan, would that work to my advantage, or would it change all the rules??
    ** How can I find out what invoice prices are?? I was told from one dealership that the "S" plan gives me the car for invoice price.
    ** One dealership I went to offered $500 dollars off of a Mazda 3 because I currently own a Mazda. they called it owner loyalty. DO ALL DEALERSHIPS OFFER THIS?? AND IF SO should I try to negotiate a deal with a salesman then tell them I found someone that would let me use their "S" plan and then tell them I want an owner loyalty discount??
    I know it sounds like a lot of scheming, but I want the best deal I can get and I don't know how to go about it.
    ADVICE PLEASE.
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    SOme dealers aren't accepting S-Plan on the Mazda3. SO throw that at the salesman first. If they won't take it, you have to wheel and deal.
  • bunk1968bunk1968 Member Posts: 119
    But, what if I know they are accepting the "S" plan?
    Wouldn't it make sense for me to get the lowest quote out of them before letting them know that I can get the "S" plan? and what about the owner loyalty?
  • howachowac Member Posts: 52
    From what I've heard, the beauty of the S plan is to save you from the trouble of haggling. If you "wheel and deal" first then tell them you qualify for the S plan, it kind of defeats the purpose. You're supposed to get a set price (at or slightly below invoice) with the S plan so you don't have to waste time.

    The $500 owner loyalty rebate is offered by Mazda, not the dealer. I'm not sure whether it's still in effect.
  • zoommazda3zoommazda3 Member Posts: 8
    I live in Tx. and was wondering if anyone got any good deals in Tx. on the Mazda3i or the Mazda3s 4-door. Mainly in Central Tx. since i live there.
  • scoltzscoltz Member Posts: 2
    I bought the silver sedan. Here's how the S Plan entered the equation.

    S-Plan only applies if the dealer has your car and the right options in stock that day. If your car is not stocked, it does not make sense for the dealer to go out of the way to find the car you want. He is making minimum dollar($200 below invoice)on the car so he wants you to haggle on something else. Luckily I found a dealer that had the car I wanted minus leather at a different lot. He asked me very clearly if I was in a buying mood. Translation- "If I bring this car in for you today will you buy it?" SOLD.

    The bottom line is, with the high demand for the 3, if you want to use the S-Plan you have to be willing to settle for options that are available in the lot that particular day. If you have to have the leather seats, etc. You have to haggle, probably pay more, and wait a few weeks for your car.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    I have had leather in all my cars and trucks since the Mid 80's - when I went shopping for a Mazda3 I automatically wanted leather. But after looking at it & sitting on it - I changed my mind and went with the cloth. It felt hard and slippery - the lowest quality leather I have ever seen in a car - The vinyl seats in my 69 Chevelle had a better seat feel.

    Now that I know how weak the AC is in the Mazda3 I am sure glad I do not have leather.
  • howachowac Member Posts: 52
    I don't find the leather in the Mazda3 hard and slippery at all. It's pretty comfortable to me. IMHO, its quality is quite acceptable for the $590 that Mazda charges. It's an "economy car" after all. Can't ask for too much. ;-)
  • zoommazda3zoommazda3 Member Posts: 8
    Is getting finance better with the Mazda dealership or to a bank? Which do most people prefer?
  • dancehausdancehaus Member Posts: 10
    Just bought a Mazda 3S from El Dorado in McKinney, Texas. They looked high and low for the color (winning blue) and the options (ABS + Wheel Locks) and had it shipped from Houston for me. I got 4.4 financing thru my credit union for 65 months. However, it seemed like they didn't care if they sold me the car. I went to a Mitsubishi dealer to look at Lancers (which are stupid I know), and the salesman was very positive. He showed me the best possible deal I could get on the car, and offered tons of incentives, even better finanacing than my credit union. The only reason I didn't go with a Lancer is just that I didn't care for how it looked, and to get one that has power like the Mazda3, you'd have to buy a higher-priced Lancer. Anyways, the Mazda salesman was almost a zombie in comparison, and he didn't tell me about the college graduate rebate program; he just said "none" when I said "Are there any incentives". I didn't buy the car because of him, but because I LOVE the car, and they did find exactly what I wanted. $18,057 was what I paid before TT&L, and recent graduate rebate.
    I also bought the extended non-warranty plan, anyone have any thoughts on that?
  • ellwoodellwood Member Posts: 1
    I have heard so many opinions on the S plan. I am very confused. I went to dealership yesterday to purchase Mazda3 and told dealer I had S-plan. They printed out invoice and showed it too me. He told me there were no negotiation on these plans, which I agreed. I was really confused after looking at this invoice since S plan does not provide breakdown on exact costs. The dealer is having to go out of state to get this car and said they would have to charge $150.00 plus destination of $520.00. In addition they are adding on $249.00 processing fee. Should i have to pay these fees under S-Plan.

    Mazda 3 i 4 door
    Power package/16" wheels
    AC
    Floor mats
    Cargo Net
    Black cloth Interior

    Quoted price $15,650.

    Out the door $16,788.50. (6% tax)

    Is this good deal??
  • tommyj49tommyj49 Member Posts: 1
    They're making you pay extra? Interesting...I just order my Mazda 3 with the S-Plan. I already had the invoice and s-plan prices. My future car is currently in transit from Japan, but was scheduled to go to another dealership out of state. There was no mention at all about any addition processing or extra destination (besides the $520) fees to me. Therefore, as far as I know, I'm not getting charged them.

    My (future) car:
    Mazda 3s 5-door
    Xenon/TPMS package
    Sunroof/6-CD package
    ABS/Side airbag package

    Estimated price from s-plan (including $500 loyalty bonus):
    $17,855

    Will know 'out-the-door' price in 4-6 weeks.
  • alphaq301alphaq301 Member Posts: 5
    I live in San Francisco and had a great buying experience at Putnam Mazda. I got a 3i auto with ac and power/16" alloy wheels. The internet salesman quoted me invoice price even though the car hadn't arrived in their lot yet. There were no other models in all northern california at the time and menlo mazda offered 200 below msrp, bunch of horrible salesmen. When car arrived (within the 2 weeks salesman said it would) the price was true to his word and my parents and i were in and out within 1.5 hours. Thats the fastest ever for purchasing contract, car inspection, insurance that my parents have been involved in for their 35 years of auto purchasing.
  • raydahsraydahs Member Posts: 449
    Valencia or S.F.Valley?
  • lisa26lisa26 Member Posts: 5
    I live in Los Angeles, CA and went through the Costco Buying Program with Long Beach Lincoln/Mercury/Mazda. I must tell you how happy I am about this program because there is no hassle whatsoever!! The amount of the car is pre-determined (in this case $300 over invoice) so there is no haggling to deal with.

    The salesman was exceptionally friendly and helpful...giving me all prices over the phone. He searched all of California for the particular car I wanted and when he couldn't find it, he checked the next shipment coming in. It's already on its way, so I have to wait about 4 weeks for his arrival.

    Strato Blue 3i
    Beige interior
    Manual transmission
    ABS package
    Moonroof/6-disc changer
    $18,040 MSRP
    $16,853 Inv
    $17,053 MY purchase price before TTL

    I may switch to the Velocity Red color since I'm not too fond of the beige interior.
  • jrosasmcjrosasmc Member Posts: 1,711
    I'm checking out a couple of new Mazdas tomorrow morning and plan to look at a new 3i and 6i. I think they're fantastic-looking vehicles.

    By the way is the 3 made in Japan or the U.S.?
  • toolfan1toolfan1 Member Posts: 11
    The 3 is made in Hiroshima, Japan.
  • brett65brett65 Member Posts: 4
    I am close to buying the Mazda 3, but am a little concerned about the a/c and cel problems I have read about. I have been quoted a price of 15,600 before ttl for a 3i(auto) with the power pkg. Seems like a real good deal, but maybe I should wait for the 2005 model....I am in no hurry.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    are you sure about that?
  • rinebirdrinebird Member Posts: 83
    Goe to the MazdaUSA web site
  • rinebirdrinebird Member Posts: 83
    I am sorry it is a new design in a dealership in
    " Automaker Opens Ground-Up Facility Encompassing New Retail Philosophy at Med Center Mazda - "
  • birdman579birdman579 Member Posts: 151
    Just wanted to let all those potential Mazda3 buyers in Maryland know to avoid Russel Mazda in Catonsville. I had a $1000 refundable deposit with them for a Mazda3. The car was supposed to be delivered in 1-2 weeks. After 6 weeks, I decided to stop waiting and went to another dealer. I ended up getting a much better price and the car I wanted. I told the first dealer I wanted my refundable deposit back and they said, "no problem, we'll credit your credit card." A week went by and nothing was credited back to my account. I call again and they again say they'll credit my account. Again, nothing. I call a 3rd time and talk to the sales manager. He gets all my information and says he'll credit my account. Another week has gone by and nothing. I'm headed to the dealer in person to raise hell. I can't stand the constant lying. They are an awful dealership. Avoid Russel Mazda at all costs!!!
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    Sorry to hear about your experience. Have you tried contacting the corporate offices at Mazda? Info here http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/contactMazda.action

    Also - if you put this on a credit card you can always dispute the charge through your credit card company.
  • bunk1968bunk1968 Member Posts: 119
    I have decided on purchasing a Mz3 hatch, but would like to know if it is a silly time to purchase.
    I figure the 04's will be going on sale soon and if not why wouldn't I just wait for an 05???
    Will they boost the price much for an 05?
    Anyone have advice?
  • birdman579birdman579 Member Posts: 151
    I finally got my deposit back! It took a drive to the dealer to make it happen. Apparently 3 phone calls are not enough. They have definitely lost my business. I probably would have been taking my car there for service, but I won't based on this horrible experience.
  • avenueroadavenueroad Member Posts: 10
    Sorry, cross-posting from Mazda in Canada topic:

    What do you think is a fair CAD $$$ price for a Mazda3 Sport GS with A/C and A/T?

    I knocked CAD $585 off the MSRP, don't know if it's decent or below average.

    Everybody saying they do sell well, so the dealer might not have a lot of incentive to cut a deal. It was from Downtown Mazda in T.O.
  • bunk1968bunk1968 Member Posts: 119
    Can anyone answer my question?
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    Well, I know that Mazda increased the MSRP about $200-300 on all Mazda3 models (don't know exact figure) recently, so I bet they will increase the price of 05's at least a couple hundred I would guess. Now you might be able to find a Mazda3 on the lot with an earlier build date, which would be priced at the amount before the increase which would save you some money.

    I think the 05's will be on dealer lots by October/November so, it might be worth it to wait a month or 2, to save on 04's, but with the relative popularity of the car, I bet it might be worth it to just get an 05 ( resale value of an 05 versus an almost 1 year old new car - 2004)
  • bunk1968bunk1968 Member Posts: 119
    Ok.
    If I get a deal on an earlier model won't I have problems with the A/C?
    I don't know the cut off date for models that had problems with the A/C?
    Secondly, if they offer good deals on 04's would it be better to snatch one of those up instead of worry about resale value loss and waiting for an 05?
    Oh, and I would also like to ask if there is a better chance of having less problems with an 05 since it is not a first year production?
    Do late model 04's have less problems (like with the A/C) than the first 04's?
    Does anyone know when or if Mazda will be starting deals on the 04's?
    Any input is welcome, thanks.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Keep in mind that if you get an 04 this fall you are getting a 1 year old new car. So, unless you are getting a big rebate (like $3000 or so) you have an immediate 1-year depreciation when you buy it.
    Also, it's more likely that the 05 units will have the AC fixed than a left-over 04. Until we get a definate answer from Mazda on the AC issue this will be a big question.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    I think you're not getting answers to a lot of your questions because they're more hypothetical and a matter of personal preference or conjecture.

    No one can answer the a/c question. If you've been reading these discussions, Mazda hasn't really figured out what's wrong yet (or at least admitted it).

    The question about '05s being more reliable than '04s is anyone's guess, although one would hope that second-year cars have more "bugs" worked out than the first-year cars. Remember, however, that they don't just make all of the '04s at once and then wait a year to make the '05s -- they're making new cars every day. So there won't be much reliability difference between an '04 built September 30 and an '05 built October 1, I would think.

    Resale value -- well, what you save now you'll lose later, and vice versa. If you wait for an '05, you'll lose money on your trade now ... but you'll gain when it comes time to trade the '05 on the next car.

    Deals -- Having been the owner of five new Mazdas over the last 13 years, I can say you'll probably see some form of rebate appear on the '04s pretty soon -- say in the next month or so, as they prepare for the '05s to start showing up. For all I know it's already here. I won't be getting into the whole pricing thing until next May when I plan to purchase a 3 wagon.

    Now, for what you probably want to hear ... Me, I'd wait and get an '05. You're this close -- why get "last year's" model when next year's is probably on the boat right now, or close to it?

    Good luck!

    Meade
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    It really depends on how long you plan to keep the car -

    If you trade every 2 years then the 2005 is worth waiting for -

    If you keep will keep the car for 7 years then the 2004 will be a better deal. How much difference in trade in value between a 1997 and a 1996 Mazda? About $500 - Compare a 2003 and a 2002 and the difference is closer to $2,000.

    I saw an ad in the Houston Chronicle today

    New 2004 Mazda3 (2.0 L automatic, air bags, CD)
    MSRP $15,100 - sale price $10,992.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,338
    I'd like to see the fine print on that deal.. (after $2995 downpayment?)

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    ... plus $2000 in worthless dealer packs.
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