2013 and Earlier - Mazda3 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

sdfanintx

Yes, echoing chuck12, at what dealer did you purchase your vehicle? Did you deal with any others? I am in Houston too, and I am considering a Mazda 3s (also considering a Corolla\Civic\Camry\Accord\CRV).

From what I can gather on this board, it appears that many are getting their Mazda3 around invoice or a little below before TTL and before the Gerber rebate. Now, maybe I missed it on this thread, but it sounds like some are able to use the rebate certificate (via email) without the "original offer" (sent by mail by Gerber/ACOG) and some are required to present the original offer? And I guess the majority of you are "non-S-Plan, non-original offer recipients"? I ask, because I received my email certificate, am not a subscriber to ACOG or an orginal offer recipient (nor an S-Plan member) and I am just trying to figure out the likelihood of me saving an additional $500 (this might help me narrow down my car search!). Is the rebate taken right off the purchase price or are you just mailed a $500 check? I thought I saw an earlier post where somebody "received their check in the mail" and "sure enough, this offer is legit."

Also, after reading the earlier post regarding the 2006 model offering, I too have been curious about their arrival. The local salesman I have been dealing with said they don't anticipate receiving any until November. I am not sure how reliable that is, but take it for what its worth, I will be buying well before then. Thanks for all of the info!

gwhatnow

After reading about them here, I went through all the contortions to get them (signed up at Gerber, called the ACOG people, etc.) but ended up not getting a Mazda (boo hoo, it was a tough decision), so if anyone wants them, send me an SAE (see my profile) or stamp w/address and I will mail either one or both, just let me know which. Never found out if you can use them together.

sdfanintx

I will take you up on that and appreciate the offer. I guess that I would prefer the Gerber one if I had a choice (I guess it doesn't make a difference). I will send out today. Thanks again!

smaria

The Mazda certificates for the ACOG and Gerber rebates look identical, and at the bottom they say something like "limit one $500 offer per vehicle". So, I'm 99.99% sure that you can't use them together.

I used a Gerber rebate to buy a new Mazda5 (still waiting for it to be delivered). The dealer took the $500 right off of the purchase price, no need for me to wait for a check. It seems that the way you get treated (whether or not you have to wait for a rebate check, whether or not the dealer needs the original ad) is really up to the dealer.

Steve

gwhatnow

Another thing I found confusing was how to use these things. Are you supposed to ask for quotes, do the negotations and get the best price from someone (including any "known" rebates), and only then whip out the Gerber/ACOG rebate, "oh, by the way....?" Do these Gerber/ACOG rebates come off the dealer profit or holdback, or are they passed along straight though from Mazda?

richml

After agreeing on the purchase price, I explained the $500 Gerber rebate to the salesman, produced the E-mail from Mazda containing the unique certificate number, and he then deducted $500 from the purchase price.
You can request the Mazda E-mail here:
http://www.irv-silverpop.com/mazda/gerber/
Later the salesman called looking for the original Gerber coupon (approx 5 x 8" card), and I registered on www.Gerber.com, requested the coupon, and then provided it to the dealer.
I'd advise having BOTH the E-mail from Mazda AND the coupon from Gerber prior to attempting to purchase the car. Turnaround time is approx 3-4 days for the E-mail from Mazda, and 8-9 days for the coupon from Gerber.

ingenue007

I went to pay for my car today. I signed up for the Gerber rebate and called
them before hand about it. I do not have the original ad and they didn't care.
Actually, I don't think the original ad is req because when I was filling out
paper work, they had this print out regarding the Gerber rebate. The print out
had boxes on it and one of them was "obtained via email" or something similar.
My original price was 19086 + TTL, but after this rebate it was 18568+TTL for 3
hatchback with ABS/airbags/EBD, moonroof +6 disk, rear diffuser, arch moldings,
xenon and tire pressure monitoring. Drive out was under 20k. I was 1100 under
what Edmunds TMV and 2000 under MSRP. I was given S plan price initially, but my S plan PIN was never requested.

The dealer I went to was Russel Smith.

akolozvary

I like to purchase the Mazda 3 2006 model when it comes out. What is the expected date for it to be released? Is it better to build a car online? I like to trade in my 2002 Mazda B3000 Dual Sport Cab Plus 2D. The truck is O.K., no thrills. I added tint and better speakers to it. I also added bed rail and it came with a bed liner. I have low milage on it, just slightly above 30,000. Kelly Blue book is saying my trade in value is about $10,050. I think I owe just above 12,000 on it. I think its time to get rid of it. I don't use the bed that often and the gas mileage is pretty bad. With the recent price hikes in gas, I think it would be wise for me to get something smaller. When going to mazda to purchase the vehicle, would it be better to be upfront to the sales guy and tell him I want to trade in my vehicle...or should I not mention it at all and when he asks if I want to trade in a vechile say no till the end? I want to be able to get rid of the truck and not owe anything extra. The Mazda dealership I went to kind of screwed me when I purchased this vechile in early 2003. I bought this new, I never bothered to inspect the vechile for damages prior to purchashing it. When I got home, I noticed that the rear bumper was pushed in. I quickly went back and they agreed to fix the damagaes. They couldn't completely fix it, so they gave me a free bed rail and carpet. I was pretty upset that they sold me a car that had cosmetic problems. For something that was new, it shouldn't have any damages...and since it was new they should have told me proir to selling it to me. I'm suprised that their move isn't illegal. Anway, I want to make sure that I do it right this time. I want to be happy in my new vehicle. I just noticed the $500 rebate link floating around on this thread, I quickly signed up for it. Any pointers on saving cash and getting the best deal would be nice to know, I like to get the 2006 Mazda 3 5 door loaded. Under 20K. What specs would be ideal to purchas? How is the navagation system?

dd123

Hi

Just an example of price I got:

$17100 ( excludes TTL) for a 4dr 2.3s sedan with Safety Pkg + SunRoof + 6 Cd + Sports Pkg

I got S-Plan + Fresh Grad Reb ($500) + Gerber Rebate ($500)

Good Luck

Deepak

sandman46

We got our silver 3 S for $17,035 minus the $500. Mazda rebate plus a dealer free gas for 6 months, or $300. for a total of $800. We had to pat T,T&L plus the destination charge, but as we dealt with the internet manager, they took off their dealer fee.

The Sandman

akolozvary

Are there any other rebates or is it just gerber and college grad students? I'm currently enrolled in colleg,e would be nice if I could get some extra rebates.

smaria

There's just the Gerber rebate ($500).

The public college rebate incentive stopped at the end of June, so no more $500 college grad cash Would've saved me $500 on my Mazda5 purchase, but no such luck...

Steve

mdaffron

Cute ... but I don't think they allow that kind of thing here.

You know, "personal gain" and all that stuff.

Meade

manchester3

How can you request the gerber AD? I registered but I can't find it on the internet. Please let us know. Thanks.

r2k

Does anybody have any idea when Mazda might cut off their half of the Gerber rebate?

I gather the Mazda certificate expires 60 days after it is issued by Mazda, but since I am waiting for a suitable Mazda 5 to hit my part of the state, I don't want to apply for the certificate until one is at least in sight.

Conversely, I don't want to wait too long to apply for the certificate from Mazda and they pull the offer.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks.

o2bwright

OK, I really need some help here -- really soon.
What is the Pampers Zoomin & Poopin coupon?
I can not find any link to this on any site.
Is this different from the Gerber deal?
Help soon!
--- o2bwright

ambull

Isn't Zoomin & Poopin when you zoom a little too much, your car get outs of control, as well as your bodily functions? (Sorry, I couldn't resist ) :P

dregur

I'm living around the Seattle area, I'm very very tempted to get a Mazda 3 sedan, but the price is the only thing that's holding me back. Basically, I want either an S or i (realistically the i for below 20K with all the options I want) with AT, Power, Moonroof, and ABS packages. Now, the problem I'm having is twofold:

1) The Mazda dealership near where I live (Auburn) marks up their Mazda 3's by around $1500, but it's a minor problem, since it is a markup, and I can probably get it reduced to MSRP.

2) With all the options, the MSRP of the car is around 19,080. However, there aren't any around my area with those EXACT options. They've either added something I don't really want (like auto dimming rearview mirror and spoiler) with increases the price by $500 or are missing the moonroof package. I can also get an S version for 19,680 with the options I want.

Now, I'm only willing to pay around 20k (including tax) maybe $500 more or so. Now, with the prices pushing 20k already, do you guys think I can fanagle my way so I can pay 20.5k for a Mazda 3 with those options (i or s trim levels)?

Also, the moonroof is something I really want. The only reason I'm pretty pushy on that particular package, is that I'm also looking at the Scion tC that comes with the moonroof standard. Honestly, I like the feel of the Mazda 3, and I'm willing to pay a little bit more, but not upwards of 1000k or more.

-The Grinman

z71bill

Find another dealer - don't be the only person in history to pay MSRP or MORE for a Mazda3.

You should be close to invoice - maybe $200-$300 over.

kyfdx

Isn't tax around 9% in Washington?

At that tax rate, you are going to have to buy a car for around $18,500 + tax to get out the door for under $20,500....

So, restrict your shopping to Mazda3 units with an MSRP of $20K or less... Any of those should be able to bought for $18,500 or less + tax...

Don't worry about what they are asking, or how much the car is "marked up".. If you can find a Mazda3 outfitted the way you want for $20K MSRP, then make an offer that fits your criteria.

If the Mazda3 doesn't come the way you want for $20K MSRP, then you'll have to pick a different car to meet your financial needs..

regards,
kyfdx

dwynne

While car hunting I got on the e-mailing list of Darcars in Silver Spring, MD. They just sent me a "special" list showing all remaining 3s for $750 under invoice. Fine print says "Internet Price includes Freight. Internet Price includes all incentives and rebates. Internet price excludes tax, tags, and $100 processing charge" so figure on $650 under invoice plus TTL. Since there are no known incentives and the college grad is history, then it would seem anyone could get this price.

I assume the same price would be good at their other Mazda dealership in College Park, MD as well but it is not shown on their web page.

Dennis

maskedface

I am looking to buy a M3 sedan GT fully loaded. I just wanted to see what other owners in Canada have paid and where? Thanks!!

audia8q

....don't be the only person in history to pay MSRP

Apx 70% of our MZ3 sales have been at MSRP and this hasnt changed much in a year.....When a car sells with no rebates in todays big rebate world it's a clue that the car isnt being dicounted in huge numbers.

z71bill

If that is true (no way it is BTW) then buyers of the Mazda3 would have to be the least educated group of consumers in the world.

I hate to call someone a complete liar (and will not do so even in this situation) - But your statement seems a little bit off - like maybe you put the "." in the wrong place - are you sure it was not .7% (.007) of customers that pay MSRP?

mdaffron

The handful of us who hang out here at Edmunds represent the other 30 percent, who are more educated about car buying?

Bill, I really think you're assuming wayyyy too much about the general public's car-buying savvy. Seventy percent seems very plausible to me. How else would dealers be able to afford to let us smarty-pantses pay so little, unless they were able to gouge the larger percentage of shoppers who aren't shrewd when it comes to buying cars? Do you really think the car DEALERS are that stupid?

Meade

audia8q

How many cars sell today without consumer incentives? Not many MZ3 does.

how many cars switch model years without consumer rebates? very few, MZ3 did.

How many cars in their second full year still sell without incentives? very few but the mazda 3 does.

How many cars are selling at a rate faster than they are shipped into the country? MZ3 is

How many dealers have a fraction of the MZ3 inventory they would like to carry?...all of them.

with just the things I have listed what would be the reason to discount the Mazda3 in any large numbers?

Now this doesnt mean that a discount can't be found....a discount can be found on anything...but the laws of economics are at work here. Low supply and high demand. If your the retailer why would you discount the car???

Kirstie_H

with the arguing and personal comments. No one wants to read that, and it certainly isn't helpful to expanding the knowledge base of Mazda3 shoppers.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

mikezoomzoom

Just to shed some light on the subject... sell Mazdas in Fort Worth, Tx. My two Mazda 3 sales this past weekend were both to extremely educated consumers. They were aware that the Mazda 3 has no manufacturer's support in the form of factory incentives, and also aware that there is only a limited amount of profit from invoice to MSRP. These folks were very pleasurable to deal with and had already done some on-line research, as well drive other vehicles which might be in the same segment as the award-winning Mazda 3.

Long story short... MSRP on one and MSRP+$156 tint on the other=HAPPY PEOPLE WHO KNEW ALL ABOUT THE FIGURES IN THE CAR AND PAYED MSRP!!!

Bottom line... Mazda's are pretty well equipped from the start and value priced from the get-go. They saw this in regards to what they got for their money. These folks felt that the product justified the price not just for the car, but also for the warranty which includes roadside assistance and loaner car.

Apparently, a huge amount of consumers feel the same way since supply is depleted nationwide. Believe me when I say that they aren't all being sold at invoice. The car itself has a lot to do with that if people are doing their cross-shopping and seeing that nothing else truly stacks up in this Japenese compact segment.

richml

mike, how would you have responded if one of the buyers had started bargaining on the price?

I ask because I was turned off by salespeople at a dealership where I had previously purchased another new vehicle. They mentioned several times that 3 sales were "hot" and they were asking "sticker price." Obviously that's their right, but it caused me to purchase my 3 from another dealer who was willing to sell at a price much closer to the prices that I see reflected by other buyers in this forum.

z71bill

I have been reading this thread for about 1 1/2 years - don't recall anyone posting that they paid MSRP for a Mazda3 - or any Mazda for that matter - I think one post said he paid MSRP - but they gave him a few thousand more for his trade in than it was worth - so he did not really pay MSRP. If that adds up.

Anyone that is not a self serving car sales person care to post that they have bought a Mazda3 at (or above) MSRP?

If 7 out of 10 buyers post that this is what they paid - then I will be happy to admit that I am wrong (I will however - not be holding my breath).

mikezoomzoom

Based on availability, small discounts could have possibly been achieved. I certainly wouldn't have scoffed at them or come off arrogant. If that's what you experienced... I apologize for your isolated incident. Keep in mind, as salespeople, our attitudes in combination with an individual consumer's attitude can sometimes make the difference.

We don't give cars away, folks have to ask for savings in order to test the marketplace. Now the question would be what would have been "fair" even after the current marketplace had been discussed?

This is a "hot" car with many educated consumers, such as yourself, seeking out their desired Mazda 3s at different dealers nationwide. Not all deals will be the same!

One, which I sold this past weekend, was a Mazda 3i w/Auto and AC with an MSRP of $15,990( profit margin of about $870) which hadn't even been processed to the front lot. It was a totally fresh unit just off the transport. I know the majority of people are seeking affirmation that they got the best deal ever. Any deal is a good deal when it comes to the Mazda 3.

IT'S NOT OVERPRICED TO BEGIN WITH!!!

audia8q

Let me take a shot at your question... I don't like salespeople to get pushy about the price of the car before price is an issue. There is never a reason for the salesperson to mock somebody who makes a lowball offer on a hot car. (unless its on edmunds and we all can join in )..Everything has to start somewhere...We prefer to spend more time showing all the features and benefits of the car. If the car is properly presented the value of the product and the dealership/salespeople starts to shine thru. It makes selling a product at or near MSRP alot easier. Cars like the Mazda3 are easy to sell and they match up very well vs. the competition....we can't say that about all the makes and models we offer.

Alot of cars sell for MSRP for the first few weeks on the market but only a few sell for two years without big discounts, rebates or dealer incentives....

sandman46

With my Mazda $500. rebate and the dealers $300. free gas coupon, I paid $16,235 for our 3s sedan last month. The only option was the wheel locks. They then added on T,T&L but they backed out the dealer prep fee, or so they said. Did I really get a great deal? Audia8q since you are a salesman, can you help me out here. We both love the car and it won't change our minds if we didn't get such a great deal. Please enlighten me about the deal we got.
The car is a blast to drive and hugs the road wonderfully with the 16" tire package. We feel that we got a better car than the Jetta Value Edition that was our 2nd choice.
The wife now wants to get the Jetta L version, but it retails about $22k, so it's in a different class. She plans to give me the 3s so she can get the 2007 Jetta.
Thanks for your insight on this matter.
Zoom Zoom!

The Sandman

standarsh

I just put down a deposit for a Mazda3 a couple of minutes ago. Judging by what I have seen on the site, I think I am getting an OK price. What does everyone think:

Mazda3 S - 4 door
ABS/SAB/SAC, Moonroof & CD, Automatic Trans, Compas/Dim Mirror, Rear Wing Spoiler

Price - Discount = Total
$18,403 - $500 = $17.903 + TTL

sandman46

Is this coupon still valid?

The Sandman

dregur

Yes, that's actually a really good price. MSRP for that is a little more than 20k. (When I looked for a similar S, I didn't even have the mirror or the spoiler, and it came out to $19,680!)

-The Grinman

mdaffron

I think you're assuming that the folks hanging out here at Edmunds represent a cross-section of the people who buy cars. Respectfully, I don't think so. The "average joe" (if there is one) who treats his car as an appliance probably doesn't care enough about his car to even look for a website about cars -- unless maybe he has a problem with it. I think only auto enthusiasts, like you and me, would spend the time to find and then hang out with a bunch of people who just bought the same car. I mean, think about it. My wife drives a 2002 Protege5 (partly because I was able to sway her from another Cavalier or a New Beetle), but even though she's got a very sporty, fun-to-drive car, she could care less. She's never even visited edmunds.com even though I've been here for five years. So that's 50 percent of Mazda buyers in my family alone who haven't been here. Let's get real -- Edmunds' Town Hall is a place for car enthusiasts. How many Mazda3's have been sold in the U.S.? A hundred thousand maybe? (Ooops, Edmunds is international. So it's WAY MORE.) OK, now how many owners have posted here? Maybe a hundred? That's a tenth of one percent (and probably even less) of the owners and their buying experiences, gas mileage reports, a/c opinions, etc.

Meade

z71bill

You could be right (but I doubt it)!

I am not so sure that just because a person is a car lover that they are automatically a better negotiator & a smarter buyer - I could even say that the guy that looks at a car as an appliance - would be more likely to just shop price - why pay more to get from point A to B? Where the car lover would be willing to pay a small premium to get the Mazda3 because it is more than just transportation. Some sales people would see this type of customer and say - better to make a low margin sale than no sale at all.

I bet if you took the average Edmunds reader/poster and compared them to the average "Joe" car buyer you would find that they have about the same skill level when it come to buying something.

If this 7 out of 10 stat was really true then it seems like I would know dozens of people who paid MSRP - but just the reverse is true - I do not know of one person that has ever paid full MSRP for a vehicle. That includes a few people who have Saturn cars.

Please don't try and say that the Mazda3 is different because it is a HOT car. That may have been true the second WEEK of December of 2003 - but I think we are long past that point.

But even if I take your view that Edmunds posters are better car buyers - then wouldn't at least 6 or 5 or 4 or 3 or 2 or even 1 OUT of 10 Edmunds readers have paid MSRP? I mean it would not go from 7 down to 0 - that would be statistically impossible. No way the difference in car buying skills could change that much.

BTW -since your wife is not an Edmunds poster does she always - or has she ever paid MSRP for a car?

What will be next?

Real estate agents claiming that every time a house is sold that a 6% commission gets paid - by BOTH the BUYER and the SELLER.

Or maybe a few posts by wait staff that claim every customer that they serve leaves them at least a 30% tip.

mdaffron

... After reading all this about how crazy someone would be to pay MSRP ...

... if you had paid MSRP ...

... would you admit it here?

:surprise:

Meade

audia8q

Here's how the typical Mazda3 sale goes...

Customer..."I want a mazda3 with X options and y options...
I have $1500 down"

dealer "Ok mr jones with your good credit the payment is $xxx per month."

Customer "sounds good, I'll take it."

Sometimes the folks who are regulars on edmunds think that the majority of buyers are edmunds type buyers. Actually it couldnt be farther from reality. Alot of folks do research on the car but very little on the numbers and what they represent....

dwynne

A lot of folks do research on the car but very little on the numbers and what they represent

And I personally thank them for that! If everyone got deals as good as I do then I could no longer get those good deals. I DEPEND on folks paying MSRP or over and buying marked up 400% service plans or "undercoating" or "paint sealant".

Then when I come in and want a new car they can cut ME a deal since they made so much off the other folks they can afford it.

Dennis

autonomous

Alot of folks do research on the car but very little on the numbers and what they represent....

I believe you hit the nail on the head, Rich.

I have long wondered if the majority of buyers:

- find the "deal" is too complicated so they end up wanting a single number (such as a monthly payment) in order to cope?
- calculate the value of their trade-in before making the "deal"?
- add the interest costs into the price to come up with the real cost of the vehicle?
- check the "deal" against other offerings?

On the other hand dealerships do not appear to be overly interested in a transparent transaction. Otherwise, they would be passing on information freely to potential buyers before writing up the "deal". For example, how many customers complain about being surprised by fees for documentation and the like on the point of signing the deal. Imagine if this fee and all other "services" were posted in big block letters on the dealership wall. Real estate and vehicle sales are unique in the marketplace; the experience most of us have buying groceries, apparel, appliances, etc. does not prepare us for either the first or second "most important" purchase. As consumers, we need to get ourselves prepared to play the game as best as we can.

richml

the experience most of us have buying groceries, apparel, appliances, etc. does not prepare us for either the first or second "most important" purchase

You should live in the NY metropolitan area. "Sticker prices" of large appliances only represent the start of the negotiating process, it is doubtful that anyone actually pays those prices.

richml

audia8q and mikezoomzoom,

I agree with you - the 3 is a great value. The salesman who was insisting on sticker price had only been in sales for a couple of months, and he only mentioned "sticker price" after his obligatory discussion with the acting sales manager. We didn't even get to the point where any negotiating was going on.

The long-time sales manager was out the day that we spoke with the salesman. If he had been there the outcome might have been different.

I've also noticed that some makes and models are much more popular in certain areas that in others. Surely this affects what is a reasonable purchase price.

cindery

Santa Monica Mazda in Santa Monica, CA is openly offering ALL Mazda3's in stock for $149 above invoice - no additional or hidden fees. I am not connected with the dealer but wanted to pass on the deal to this forum.

I actually leveraged a $49 above invoice at Browning Mazda in Cerritos, CA (greater LA area) over the phone. This does not include the Gerber Coupon, which saves another 500 bones.

This Friday, July 29, is likely the best day of the year to buy any new car - it's the last Friday of the last month of a model year - the final day to clear inventory before new models hit the dealers. Last year I helped negotiate $600 off a Scion on this day.

Find a dealer with lots of cars taking up space on their lots and keep calling sales munions until you get one that wants to deal price, not someone who will explain that the Mazda3 features the revolutionary, "4 wheel independent brakes" - actual words of of a sales person at Galpin Mazda last Sunday.

Enjoy

z71bill

Ask any Scion sales person and they will tell you that price is not negotiable!

Doesn't hurt to try -

djg

Agree with the statement that this could be the best week/day of the year to buy.

I live in the Philadelphia area and yesterday I closed on a titanium gray Mazda3 5-door w/ABS and moonroof/CD at invoice price. Actually came out to be under invoice since they are putting in a cassette deck for free (no parts or labor charge)so I can listen to my iPod through an adapter. And that's before the $500 gerber coupon, so the actual price paid will end up almost $700 under invoice.

Negotiations took a while and involved me walking out of dealerships a couple of times (I was working 3 local dealers), but I knew what I wanted and what I should pay so I was very comfortable standing firm. Only real dealer leverage was that there are only a few cars around with the options I want, so they're hoping that some "MSRP buyer" would walk in while I was haggling.

sandvick

Bought a Mazda3 5 door w/ABS, auto, wheel locks, moonroof/CD at $300 under invoice in San Diego. I was stunned. I got quotes from 3 different dealers around town via Edmunds.com, but one of the dealers came in substantially lower. After my first conversation with the dealer, I was able to negotiate the price to $300 under invoice. I say negotiate only in the loosest sense. I asked if the quote was their best price and they cut it to $300 under invoice (about $400 under the quoted price.) Like an idiot I said, "okay." I think I got a good deal, but I have to admit it was much too easy.

kyfdx

That isn't idiotic.. that is recognizing a good price when you see it...

Too many people spend all of their time getting quotes, but don't know when to buy...

z71bill

I though almost everyone paid MSRP for the Mazda3 - I think 10 out of 10 Mazda SALES PEOPLE claim that 7 out of 10 buyers pay MSRP.

Can this - $300 below invoice be true - on a car that is so HOT that no one will discount it!