2013 and Earlier - Mazda3 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • richmlrichml Member Posts: 156
    Unless you're in a hurry to buy, it may be worth it to keep checking online dealer inventories. I also wanted a MT hatch. I don't regret waiting a few weeks and going to a dealer outside the local area, I ended up with the car I really wanted.
  • allfiredupallfiredup Member Posts: 736
    The Grand Touring models seem to be selling as fast as the dealers can get them, at least here in Atlanta. I was interesting in one when I bought mine last month, but I went with the Touring 5-door instead, but even that was tough to find with MT.

    I had no clue you could order a Mazda. Then again, I doubt I'd have the patience to wait.

    Regarding mud flaps, I've never had a car without them but I'm afraid they would ruin the looks of the MZ3 if they were added. Particularly the 5-door with the side sill extensions. I just live with the dirt on mine. As far as the roof rails, I'm almost certain they would be available from an aftermarket supplier.
  • lukanenlukanen Member Posts: 9
    06 M3 Hatch Grand Touring m/t
    - I am working separately with a Fleet contact and a dealer to see who can get the car first. Both informed me that you can't technically order a Mazda. Rather, Mazda determines what they will make. Once this is done and a VIN is assigned, a person can claim that VIN. If it is yet to hit production you can alter the VIN slightly with color and options.
    - Fortunately, the Fleet Dealer was able to claim a car that is enroute to USA and I expect it in early Feb. It is the 06 M3 Hatch, Grand Touring, M/T, Bose, Moonroof, Sirius Radio, black mica. Price: $19,488 + LTT.
    - Any thoughts on price? Any thoughts on the Sirius radio? My wife and I didn't have this as an option we wanted but we would rather get teh car sooner than later.
  • allfiredupallfiredup Member Posts: 736
    Price sounds fair given the equipment level. Just don't get suckered into any "dealer/documentation fees" or similar BS.

    As far as Sirius, if that's the only vehicle you can find near your specs, I'd live with it. I think it costs about $400, right? If you're in the car a good bit, it'd be a nice option to have. I have friends with XM and they love it. I just couldn't justify adding it on to mine since I drive about 10 minutes each way to work. I wouldn't use it a lot.
  • bellamusicabellamusica Member Posts: 21
    Correct. No TTL in my price.
  • lukanenlukanen Member Posts: 9
    Sounsd good. I have a 30 minute commute and I doubt I'll be using the Sarius Sat radio either. Nice option to have but not high on my list. Now if the car would only get to MN sooner. Tom
  • simiskysimisky Member Posts: 3
    I just got quoted a price of $20,300 for the Mazda 3s GT Sedan. It includes destination, automatic transmission, and the moonroof/Bose package equipment & installation. Should I jump on it or wait for something better to come along?

    FYI - MSRP is $22,010 and Edmund's Invoice is $20,498.
  • mrblonde49mrblonde49 Member Posts: 626
    $200 under invoice sounds like a great deal to me
  • dridedride Member Posts: 139
    I see you are in St Paul. I'm in Blaine. I would highly recommend Polar Mazda in White Bear Lake. No games, they had great prices, and they really helped me through the whole process. Morries and Luther pretty much wasted my time.
  • lukanenlukanen Member Posts: 9
    Thanks for the advise. We have worked with Polar and have really enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, the car we want they can not get for some time. They have a VIN reserved with a tentative production date of February from Mazda. That gets us the car sometime in May or late April. A fleet dealer was able to claim the car we want (+ Sirius) far sooner wtih deliver in Feb. I'm not sure who the Fleet is working with to get the car.
  • prisonmateprisonmate Member Posts: 9
    Great Deal, Metallurg15. I am curious what was the total out the door price and did you have to finance with Mazda Credit to get the discount. Also, did you do all your dealing online or you visit the dealership? How many miles did your car have? Thanks in advance for sharing your info as it helps other here. :)
  • metallurg15metallurg15 Member Posts: 1
    Total out of the door, $18,776.99. I did not finance with Mazda because they did not offer anything better than what I already had through my own line-of-credit. The car I bought had 37 miles on it, I don't know how many miles the car in Mazda of Oakland had. I never visited the dealership until it was time to buy the car. I first sent both email and fax to fleet managers at about 20 dealerships as far as 100 miles away from where I live, just to widen the pool and to get the lowest starting price for negotiating even if I did not intend to drive 100 miles to buy the car. I received the faxes and emails quotes from about 10 of the dealers, most of the prices below the invoice. I then called the fleet managers, some a few times, asking if they can beat the lowest price I had at the moment. Some would not, but others did. Each time one dealer would offer me the lower price than the one I had before, I called the previous dealers again with a new offer until they could not go any lower.
  • bevvynybevvyny Member Posts: 7
    What is the best approach to use to get the Mazda3 (or other cars) at the invoice price or even below? In my area there are only 2 Mazda dealers. I have done all of my research here at Edmunds, and have my printouts.
    I was quoted from 1 dealer $16300. for a Mazda i3 Touring Edition ('06). This is with the 4-speed Automatic.
    Edmunds MSRP: $17450.
    Edmunds Invoice: $16345.
    Edmunds TMV: $16827.

    I need all the help I can get at figuring out the best way to get the best deal, preferably below or at invoice $.
    Thx!
  • ostiaanticostiaantic Member Posts: 17
    Hi Folks:
    Unlike many of you, I have received only one serious e-mail with an "out the door"price from the Mazda dealers in my area. It was more than $600.00 above invoice, and too far away for me to go.
    The dealers respond to my e-mails, but never with actual offers. They want me to "come to the dealership", which defeats the purpose of internet buying. Another comment was "I can get it if you put a deposit". It's been very frustrating
    I can't even find a velocity red car with the options I want. Yes, I've done the 150 mile search thing.
    Can anyone tell me if I can just order the car I want, color options etc, and wait for it? Has anyone here done this? If so, what was our experience? Do they try to charge sticker, or more? What is the length of the wait? Local dealers have very few 3s to choose from around here and never seem to get any shipments. I'm tired of looking at hundreds of 6s on the lot. How often do they get shipments anyway? I'm in Orange county NY.
    Thanks for any help, in advance. The Toyota Matrix down the street is starting to look better and better. :-)
  • stardropstardrop Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone know where I can find the dealer invoice prices for Canada? All I seem to be finding are US sites. Anyone know the price for a mazda3 sport, manual, with a/c and a spoiler?? Or where to find that info?? ;)

    Thanks
    Heather
  • simiskysimisky Member Posts: 3
    The invoice price that Edmunds provides for the Mazda 3s GT Sedan is $270 less than the dealer's invoice price for the same car with the same options. One dealer told me that Edmunds' price does not include Mazda's national advertising fee, which is rolled into the dealer invoice for all southern New England dealers. Has anyone else in southern New England seen this or was the dealer being dishonest?
  • mikezoomzoommikezoomzoom Member Posts: 69
    No need for paranoia or second guessing.

    Car buying websites such as Edmunds and Cars.com are not able to account for each and every regions advertising cost(assessment) which is why there is a disclaimer link specifically informing consumers about advertising fees.

    The assessment is part of the actual invoice for the actual vehicle you're looking at.

    Here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area our typical assessment on a Mazda 3 ranges from $280 to $365...depending on trim level and model. This is definately something we find ourselves easily explaining many times a week.

    The concern you should truly have is if there are questionable dealer fees or documentation fees on your buyers order. Documentation fees are legit as long as they're not overblown...Texas allows us to charge a state maximum of $50. Keep in mind that other states have their own parameters.

    ZOOM ZOOM!!! :)
  • jpuskasjpuskas Member Posts: 1
    Try here: http://carcostcanada.com

    Let me know how you make out and what you end up paying. I'm looking to buy a Mazda3 in the summer.

    :D
  • egohegoh Member Posts: 1
    Hello, I'm a 1st time car buyer! and I just got a quote from a dealer but not sure if it is a good deal. Please help! Here is the quote i got: 2006 Mazda 3i touring with
    automatic transmission, moonroof and cd changer package
    and ABS & Side airbag package for $17,600 + tax and license
    Thanks!
    Elaine
  • mikezoomzoommikezoomzoom Member Posts: 69
    YES!!! It's a great deal!

    Here in Dallas/Fort Worth that's a price which is $26 under invoice. If the dealer actually has the car you want and you're in the market to buy now...pull the trigger.

    ZOOM ZOOM!!! :)
  • bk40bk40 Member Posts: 9
    I can empathize with your situation. I went to a local dealer here in Brooklyn, NY and put down a deposit on a 3s hatchback with a manual transmission. Within a day or so, I was given a VIN # of the car I want, and told it should arrive within a day or so. That was nearly a month ago. Since then, I've been told that the car is "inbound" which apparently means it could be anywhere between the dealer's lot and the imagination of a Mazda engineer in Japan. I've been promised a follow-up call next week, but I suspect the dealer is going to offer me a vehicle loaded with options I don't want. So I think you are wise to hold off on a deposit, and give the Matrix another look.
    Oh, and for what it's worth we are not in competition with each other as the only colors I will not accept are red or black.
    Good luck!
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Why isnt the dealer trying to get one from another dealer?? I took a look at the dealer locater and unless the 5 door you want is really odd, there are cars available. The manual trans makes it a little difficult but unless your really really specific they should be able to get you a car in a few days not weeks/months.
  • socrasocra Member Posts: 4
    I am in the market to purchase 2006 mazda3 s model with manual trans. I went to several dealerships and sent out some request for a price quote. I received a price offer of $17.700, is this is fair price for this model? I realize that the msrp for s model is something like $16,800. What would be a fairly good price for this car? I am located in southern california region. I would appreciate any advice or experience shared. Thanks in advance. :D
  • mikezoomzoommikezoomzoom Member Posts: 69
    Oops..you forgot to add the destination charge on your MSRP.

    Also, keep in mind there is not a large margin in the Japanese entry level compact cars such as the Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic. Rarely is there any significant manufacturer's support to the dealers as well.

    The MSRP, including the destination charge, on a 2006 Mazda 3 S Sedan with no additional cost options is $17,440.

    Add $950 if you want the automatic transmission(AT2) on a S Sedan or Hatchback.

    Make sure you clarify to any dealer what you're seeking in regards to an S, S Touring, or S Grand Touring. This is an avenue of misunderstanding we deal with every day.

    ZOOM ZOOM!!!
  • ostiaanticostiaantic Member Posts: 17
    If you don't mind my asking, did you negotiate the price on the car before you put the deposit down? One dealer told me he would "get the car" I wanted if I put down a deposit. I told him I would have to agree on the price on the specific car first. I never heard back from him.
    Did you have to pay an extra fee because they had to order it?
  • beach70sbeach70s Member Posts: 9
    You had agood deal. I'dlike tohear from others about best prices as I want a GT (need the Xenon), don't care if 4 or 5 dr, but want manual. hard to find so how low can I expect? Offered 3% above invoice best so far. How are dealers selling below invoice if no breaks to dealership? Also never cared about color before as long as not black or red, but the 3 colors are too flashy for me, so silver nd gray left. Does the driver seat rise up or down, forgot to check.
  • dufosdufos Member Posts: 16
    Try Car Help Canada. Join and they will give you the price you should pay and the dealer to go to. What I did was I went to a different dealer and offered $200.00 less and they sold me the car.
    05 Sedan,Auto,GT,GFX,==$23,500 plus just the taxes, GST and PST
  • redaixredaix Member Posts: 3
    Hi,

    i plan to buy a Mazda3 i touring. One of my friends who bought his mazda last April said that Mazda had discount for recent college graduates. However, the dealer told me that there is no graduates program anymore. I am wondering if this is true.
  • mikezoomzoommikezoomzoom Member Posts: 69
    The college grad rebate ended on July 31st, 2005.

    In its previous form it was able to save an additional $500 if you were graduating from a two or four year school within the next six months. Or if you have graduated from a two or four year school within the past two years. Of course, documents had to be verifiable.

    There is no public college grad rebate anymore. Mazda has gone to some sort of direct marketing based on school registrars and specific criteria.

    I'm unaware of what the exact parameters are.

    ZOOM ZOOM
  • bk40bk40 Member Posts: 9
    Yes, I negotiated the price in advance. This was after two visits and three test drives (an i sedan with manual, an s hatchback with auto and an s sedan with manual). So he knew I was serious, and gave me a reasonable price. And there was no fee for ordering the car - that was his idea apparently when he couldn't find one the way I wanted it at an area dealer.
    I still think the problem is, I don't want the moonroof package. Seems impossible to get a hatchback without one (and a manual).
    I was promised a call today. At this point, I may bite the bullet and get an automatic.
    Oh, and you've probably seen that there is a Velocity Red hatchback at a dealer on Staten Island. I'm guessing it doesn't have the options you want.
    Happy hunting.
  • deathandtaxesdeathandtaxes Member Posts: 3
    Hey, allfiredup. Hope you're still reading this thread. You received a tremendous deal on your M3--$783 under invoice is amazing. I'm curious about your true OTD price--your TOTAL payment. OTD @ $16,500 would have put you much further below invoice than $783. You used a coupon/voucher also, right? Did you finance and/or trade-in? I think you've received the best deal among buyers on this thread so far. Thank you--all of you--for sharing your info. We all want good deals on our cars, and it takes a certain amount of courage to put your paid prices up--no one wants buyer's remorse and second guessing.
  • sarahp333sarahp333 Member Posts: 1
    I checked out the Mazda 3s at a dealer out in Eastern Long Island. The price i was given was close to what the TMV suggested, However the destination fee was way over: 869 vs. the 560 TMV destination charge. How could that be, and how can I argue with that? I'm still waiting to receive an offer from another dealership.

    Mazda3s
    base: 16305 tmv 16349
    AT2 5 speed: 855 tmv 900
    2 AB SAB/SAC package: 340 tmv 227
    Dest fee: 869 tmv 560
  • beach70sbeach70s Member Posts: 9
    Help. Still trying to find a manual GT w/o extras. Every car in area (Indiana) has expensive moonroof option. How are you finding below invoice prices and where do you get coupons? Is anyone finding a GT manual w/o options?
  • psu2005psu2005 Member Posts: 1
    What does everyone think about this deal? $18000 + tax, dmv, $170 dealer fee for a black 2006 Mazda3 s touring, 5spd manual, moonroof + 6cd changer, compass+autodim, wheel locks, + cargo net.
  • bongjiebongjie Member Posts: 3
    It has 1300 miles and color is strato blue. Is this a popular color?
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    I have looked at ALMOST new cars before - but have not purchased one. I always wondered why did the owner trade (return) the car so quickly?

    Could be valid reasons - like they lost their job - but I also worry about all the reasons that are bad.

    Like major mechanical issues - or a wreck -

    In my experience the difference in purchase price was never that large - so I just got the new one.

    On one car - a Toyota - when I opened the glove box I found a warranty form that was filled out with the owners name & address - so I looked up the phone number and gave them a call. The guy was surprised to get a call - but said he returned it (after a fight with the dealership). The car had less than 500 miles and had to have its tranny replaced. The sales person told me the car was a executive demo -
  • mrblonde49mrblonde49 Member Posts: 626
    I got a 3s Touring (manual) for 16755
  • dairyshickdairyshick Member Posts: 129
    I had a message on my phone yesterday from the finance dept at the dealership. All they said was that I had to stop by to sign some papers as soon as I had a chance. I tried calling back to see what it was because I haven't been able to stop by yet, but the finance guy I dealt with wasn't there, so I still don't know what the papers are.
    What exactly could this be for? I bought the car back in late december with a rate of ~6.7%...All I can think of is a change in the finance rate or signing the title?? If this is a change in the finance rate (i'm sure it would be for the worse!), what happens if it's a totally crappy rate and I don't sign? Can I just give the car back and walk away? I traded in a car as well, so how would that work. Is the finance rate still negotiable?...Any ideas or comments?
  • lukanenlukanen Member Posts: 9
    As a reference I purchased today a M3, GT, 5-Door, manual, with Bose/Sunroof, Sirius Sat. Radio, wheel locks, for $19,488 (not including TTL).

    How does this compare with others?
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    Take a look at your sales contract - is it signed by a manager? By signed I don't mean a typed name or a rubber stamp - but a real signature.

    Is there a statement in the contract that says something like - the deal is not final until financing is approved - and that could take up to 6 weeks?

    I have read this kind of statement many times - I always make them change it - once I drive off the deal MUST be done - final. If they say - its Saturday - take the car - we will have the finance company finalize it next week - say NO thanks - I will wait.

    My neighbor bought a Rav-4 - got called back three weeks later - his trade in was gone - already sold - they said his credit came up short - they needed a higher rate - it was ONLY about $50 per month (rate went from 8% to 13.5 / 60 months) - he ask me what I would do - I told him to go get a loan at his credit union.

    Anyone wonder why car dealerships have such a bad rep - this is why.

    BTW - the car dealerships have a name for taking your trade in - selling it and then making you sign a higher rate loan.

    They call it DE- saddling (not sure of the spelling) but you get the idea.

    The only good thing about this kind of life experience is its is a lesson that you will never forget - unlike the things you learn in school that are easy to forget - the things learned in the school of hard knocks last a life time.
  • mrblonde49mrblonde49 Member Posts: 626
    I had to sign something that was missed in the paper work, like a month later. Had nothing to do with a material change (not even sure what it was - something about my trade in, I think). So it could be something simple like that.

    Funny part is this: I'm at the dealership waiting room getting the first "flush out" oil change, and my wife calls my cell and says a lady from Mazda called. I call her back and she's sitting about 20 feet away, 2 office over. She walked over and I signed the paper. She just happened to call in the half hour I was sitting there? Weird...
  • beach70sbeach70s Member Posts: 9
    Sounds good. I'm looking for a manual GT and am getting similar offers w/o your extras. Where did you buy it?
  • sunsh05sunsh05 Member Posts: 8
    I bought my Mazda 3s a couple of months ago and used both the Zoom Zoom coupon and Mazda rebate. Now my friend wants to buy one (and who wouldn't?), but I'm pretty sure those coupons have expired. Does anyone know if there are currently any other rebates or coupons? Thanks!
  • lukanenlukanen Member Posts: 9
    Purchased it in MPLS, Minnesota, from Morries Mazda via a fleet dealer using s-plan pricing.
  • ostiaanticostiaantic Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for the info bk40. I hope you are closer to getting your car.
    I was reading on carbuyingtips.com that it isn't a good idea to have your dealer get the car for you from another dealer. They suggest you go buy the car yourself, at the dealer that has it. So you are better off ordering it.
    I think you are probably right about the moon roof package, but I would have said, it seems that most automatics don't have the moonroof, at least around here.
    I didn't see the Staten Island car, but it's too inconvenient for me anyway. I'm up in The Danbury CT/Orange county NY area, and hoping to get the car at one of the dealers in the area. I hope they get some new cars in. There hasn't been anything new in their inventories since October.
  • bk40bk40 Member Posts: 9
    Got the car last Tuesday. Dealer called as promised, said it would be in the next day. And it was, Titanium Gray, 55 miles on the odometer, manual, no options, as requested. So far, I'm very happy with it.
    Good luck in your search!
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    I hope they get some new cars in. There hasn't been anything new in their inventories since October.

    I'm not far from the area your looking and am aware of the inventories in the region...they have had lots of cars delivered since October. Usually twice a month or so. They are just turning the inventory faster than your looking. Almost every shipment of MZ3 we get has a portion of them already sold and they never hit the lot.
  • teach4teach4 Member Posts: 2
    I've been looking at this car for a couple of weeks around the Philadelphia area. I'm looking to make a good deal. Who isn't? I see mention in this forum of paying not much over, or less than, invoice, but I don't know how to follow the threads to the answers. Can anyone suggest a good method, or good price, for my geographic area? All answers very much appreciated. I'll be glad to pay it forward.
  • teach4teach4 Member Posts: 2
    Did anyone answer you about how to get invoice, or below, or even a little above. I don't yet know how to look for the replies. I am shopping for a 3 i touring w. side curtains. Maybe I can get some help from someone's response to you. (Maybe I'll figure out the forum soon.)
    Thanks for any help. Did you get your car? teach4
  • beach70sbeach70s Member Posts: 9
    Actually, I did get better prices, 200 above invoice (but not below), by talking and e-mailing the dealers thru edmunds.com request for quotes. Once I told them I was serious about buying, but wanted a better deal, most started lowering their prices. Try it. However, haven't bought yet because I haven't found coupons or rebates, and haven't found a manual GT w/o moonroof. Wonder if worth it to get an automatic, even though always drove manuals. Has anyone used the automtic/manual trans and found it ok?
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