Sounds like you have made up your mind on the GT already,as much as I like the black leather interior I went with the tan because the black gets very hot in the heat of the summer,mine is Stormy Blue and I think the tan compliments it very well(personal opinion),not a big fan of leasing
You buy because you plan to keep the car a long time? If it is not too much to ask, what did you end up payig for the car and did you finance it? If so, did you finance it through mazda or an independent institution?
Where can I get reliable information on residual values and money factor?
Is edmunds the best place to check for pricing and to use the TMV as a guiding number?
I do plan to keep the car for a while,at least 7 or more years,didn't finance,I ordered the PRHT AT W/premium package 2,wanted the stability and traction control & alarm system.Mine listed for just under 30k but I was able to use S plan priceing so that took off 2k.But that was the hardtop if your going with the softop it should be less.I used Mazda USA.com,then checked with different dealers.They can do a search and find close to what your looking for,but you may end up with options you don't want w/winter comming they might deal a little more,maybe.I ordered mine exactly how I wanted it,and I waited for it
Where do you live? I live in Kentucky and they aren't dealing. They want sticker for the PRHT in this area. I got the grand touring with premium package 2 in brilliant black and an interior trim kit. It's a little dream car. I paid sticker and still in shock. I did get what I wanted out of my trade in so that helped take the edge of a little. I love this car. Only had it about three weeks.
I live in Charlotte, NC. I was lucky! I went to the dealership and they had ONE Brilliant Black on the showroom floor. I drove it home that day! We have like 6 Mazda dealerships within the Charlotte metro area. The one I went to was only 12 miles from home and I bought it. :shades:
I live in Aventura Florida and plan to buy it at the end of Nov. At this point, I would like to know where is the best place to get the invoice price for it and what Edmunds calls the TMV (what others are paying for it). As I want it, the invoice shows up as $27,700 and the TMV as $30,300, which with tax and license would jump up another couple of thousand. This seems expensive for a stick but it is a GT with the premium package on it.
I'm In northern Illinois,there is a bunch of dealers around here as far as I know they all will be selling the PRHT's over MSRP,I spend a lot of time in the Minneapolis area and last spring the 2 dealers I stopped at both had 2 or more hardtops,one had the Brilliant Black and it was sweet,it was also sold,saw plenty of silver and red ones but they were all sports /hardtops,by the time I new what I wanted I couldn't find it so I waited for the '08
"The dealer told me they were ordering my PRHT MX-5 on 6/6/07. I was told it would be arrive within 2-3 months (at the most). I was then told in August that I would have my car no later than 9/8/07. Now the dealer has told me that 9/8/07 was the day construction of my car would start, and I would have to wait another 2-3 months. I am most disappointed! By the time I get my car it will be just in time to drive it over to my storage facility. This car had better be worth it!"
This sort of confusion is very common for these cars. It happened to me too. Mazda DOES NOT give the dealers very much information at all and they have to guess and make assumptions. Even Mazda USA reps are in the dark.
My hard-learned advice, just wait quietly and patiently. Easier said than done I know, but asking questions will just add to the stress. Delivery in about four to six months from the time the order goes to Mazda is typical. Anything less is really good fortune. (or more likely a car that is changed to customer specs just before production. Timing can make all the difference.)
"...I did receive acknowledgement the other day from the dealer who mailed to me the Mazda confirmation sheet showing production date and VIN#. Now I'll be watching for the other dates on the sheet to fill in. ..."
If you have a VIN, the car has gone to production. Delivery is typically around six weeks (+/-) after build. Good luck.
"I'm looking at Jan-Feb 08. Ordered in mid-August."
Something to keep in mind... Mazda accepts orders for these cars quarterly: Jan(?), April, July, Oct. I'm not sure how long the July window was open, but it's likely that an August order would fall between allocation windows and actually be submitted in the October window. It would then be at least four months from THEN. The build clock for your order may actually just be starting now. Sorry, but I know this from personal experience... :mad: Hopefully you have snowy winter months to burn off anyway.
Mazda accepts orders for these cars quarterly: Jan(?), April, July, Oct
Correct. Mazda does do quarterly allocations. Also keep in mind, if you place an order with a dealer, that dealer may not be allocated any Hard Top's that quarter. Dealers cannot just "place an order" and Mazda will build it.
I tell my customers "Your order will arrive 14-16 weeks from time your order is processed." I am also up front as to when that order will be processed. I just placed my allocation on Thursday, and it wont be processed until Nov 1st.
BTY, I was just able to order the new 2008 Special Edition MX-5. It's pretty nice. I was allocated 2. I am expecting delivery of those in early March.
"...I am also up front as to when that order will be processed. I just placed my allocation on Thursday, and it wont be processed until Nov 1st."
As you can imagine, that type of openness is not universal - either from a genuine lack of understanding or a desire to avoid saying something the customer doesn't want to hear. I have experienced both. (This process started for me in late March. Two orders later, I'm still waiting. The first order was for a car the dealer didn't have to sell. He failed to mention that for 2 months. Since I will now get the car in the dead of winter, I really won't have it to drive until Spring - just about a full year wait. What a mess.
"BTY, I was just able to order the new 2008 Special Edition MX-5. It's pretty nice. I was allocated 2. I am expecting delivery of those in early March."
But, have you been given images of the actual car? The pics in the '08 brochures are just Icy Blue Photoshop versions of the standard car. There may be wheel/trim differences. I'm told Mazda has not released final images but they are allowing orders.... Mazda seems really bad at getting out product details in a timely manner. This causes a lot of confusion for dealers and customers. (Is it true that the SE is only available as a soft top?)
thanks. I do have the VIN and the dealer pulled the Mazda report again and my car was actually built on its anticipated production date so I'm happy with that. I'm amazed that people on this site don't seem to get how this system works. They are ordering this car and the dealer is not telling them that it isn't being ordered on the date they are in the showroom? The dealers have to be allocated these PRHT, and my dealer had one in August and that's when the order was placed. Now just waiting to see the expected ship date and arrival date. Anticipation has been tough!
Mazda give access to a reporting system which shows production date, expected and actual, ship date, expected and actual, etc...... they give the dealers plenty of information which then can be passed to the buyer. There is no guessing. You should find another dealer, they are not being honest with you.....
Mazda give access to a reporting system which shows production date, expected and actual, ship date, expected and actual, etc...... they give the dealers plenty of information which then can be passed to the buyer. There is no guessing. You should find another dealer, they are not being honest with you.....
Trust me, it's not always that straightforward. Mazda is BAD at giving accurate information leading up to build. I have dealt with Mazda USA directly and most of the bad info I received came from them. I have been given 3 different build dates for my second order. The order itself was changed from a July order# to an October order#. Mazda will pick and choose orders to suit some unknown production dynamic. I know of one person who also ordered during the July window and their car was built weeks ago and is at port in Japan. My dealer has simply avoided any updates because it is subject to change. I have talked to many others with similar treatment. (visit miata.net for additional evidence. One member had to wait nine months from order to delivery.)
Be happy you've had a relatively hassle-free wait. Once the car hits production you are close to the end and there is less that can go wrong. But MANY people have been yanked around because of bad info, no info or unexpected changes by Mazda.
Not sure how it works for all cars ordered, and maybe I was very lucky to have my dealer tell me he had 1 '08 ordered and if I wanted it I could have it with a down payment ( I think it was right time right place) but from my build date to delivery was 6 weeks.
That's great news. Since I have a production date and VIN I can now expect 6 weeks. The dealer isn't as convinced because you have to wait for expected ship date from Mazda and that's when a ship is almost ready to be filled up and travel across the ocean. Being a Japanese company, I find it hard to believe that they change their dates and jack their dealers around. Anyone who knows about Japanese business principles will tell you they are most accurate with their estimates and time tables! I have several dealers tell me over the phone that they could order one for me. Most of them failed to tell me about the allocation process and how dealers get the PRHT. Fortunately I found one dealer who was up front with information and explained the process.
What is not straightforward about a report that shows expected and actual dates? Are you saying the Mazda report changed the Est. Prod Date on you three times? I tend to think the problem is at the dealer level, making promised they cannot keep. If your dealership isn't allocated a PRHT, then you just arent' going to get one until you are allocated it.
6 weeks is what happened with mine,but remember I was told a few lies from my dealer from the start,I hope yours works out as mine did,I didn't get a VIN # till my car arrived, and I was bugging him for it the whole time. I'm stopping by the dealer tommorw to have some buffing done to mine so I'm going to ask him (for grins)how long it would take to order one now,just to see what he says
"What is not straightforward about a report that shows expected and actual dates? Are you saying the Mazda report changed the Est. Prod Date on you three times? I tend to think the problem is at the dealer level, making promised they cannot keep. If your dealership isn't allocated a PRHT, then you just arent' going to get one until you are allocated it."
sher2327, again, feel happy that you had an easy process. For many people, myself included, it has NOT been so easy. I understand this process better than most and it was sometimes the fault of the dealer, but not always. Mazda USA caused most of the problems for me and their info came from Mazda systems linked to Japan. (And yes, Mazda quoted me three different build dates based on inaccurate detail in the ordering system.) The idea that stereotypical "Japanese business principles" somehow makes Mazda beyond poor service is naive. Miata.net has many similar stories and it's more than bad dealer service. YMMV, but Mazda has made this process more difficult than it needs to be, period. They are only building a small number of these cars so this should be an "exclusive" buying experience. Instead, it can be filled with assumptions, best guesses and wrong information.
You are now at the final stages where the timeline is easy to establish and track. It may be hard to understand the problem. But, even this stage can be unpredictable. Here is a relevant quote from another recent buyer:
"My Dealer reported my car was on the water. Then that it was in port. After it was in port I checked again for Delivery and the car was again on the water. As in another thread ' You can buy an item on ebay and track it to your door and Mazda has no f***ing idea where a $30,000 car is." Either Mazda or the shipping co mixed vins up. I made a 'big deal' that Mazda needs to be more proactive about cleaning up the whole ordering, tracking & delivery process in all feedback. It totally sucks! I got mine & totally happy & it took 200+ days for an unallocated car."
So please be happy with your experience but don't try to use your case as a template for others. I've spent too much time listening to bad information from people who should know better, and hearing similar stories from other buyers. I know how this works and I wish the solution was as simple as changing dealers.
It would be interesting to hear what he has to say! He could have gotten you the VIN months ahead of delivery if you special-ordered. I think some car dealers are just not honest about this process. Enjoy your car! I'm guessing it's a blast to drive!
"Wondering if you have three separate reports (hard copy) from Mazda that show the three different Est Prod Date?"
These reports were given via phone from reps at the Mazda Customer Assistance Center in Irvine, CA. There was no reason to ask for a hard copy. After all, I was talking directly to Mazda, who would know better? But after the third new date (10/18), I realized they either didn't have a clue or the process was so changeable that it was impossible to give an accurate date. I have now stopped asking any questions and will just wait for a call when the car arrives. It's too frustrating to keep having my expectations changed.
I said before that my car dealer lied to me,that was probably kind of harsh,I was miss informed,but after the first time they delayed it I was so upset that I was ready to pull out of the deal and go get a Solstice,then I read some reviews on Edmunds heard the problems a lot of people were having,and the reviews on how everyone loved the MX-5's,so that calmed me down and I knew what I really wanted, and just waited it out and I'm so glad I did.Well worth the wait,I'm sure yours also will be,but I am interested in what he tells me on delivery date at this point,my guess is 7 months
Thats the best thing to do,I finally stopped asking and just decided to wait it out,I just touched base about once a month and low and behold it showed up 2 weeks before they thought it would
The pics in the '08 brochures are just Icy Blue Photoshop versions of the standard car. There may be wheel/trim differences. I'm told Mazda has not released final images but they are allowing orders...
I have pictures. I will try to load them here.
Really, all the special edition is a different color, numbered plate, special badging, dark brown interior, and it's only in the GT trim with the premium package.
The ones that I got from Mazda say "MC design model and is not 100% product correct." so while the members of the Miataforum and members here would love to see them, until I have confirmation of the final design, I do not plan on posting anything.
"The ones that I got from Mazda say "MC design model and is not 100% product correct." so while the members of the Miataforum and members here would love to see them, until I have confirmation of the final design, I do not plan on posting anything."
That's what I've heard from others and the reason for my earlier post. Apparently no one has official pics of the car yet. I don't know why people (buyers and sellers) don't have the final images by now. This isn't a toaster oven, this is a major purchase. I guess if people are still willing to buy a car based only on "kinda-sorta" pictures, Mazda isn't concerned. I still don't understand the delay...
Something is wrong. I live in Santa Rosa, Ca. and in June I called my local dealer and told them what I wanted and they told me about 2 months and I took delivery on the last day of Aug. I ordered as I wanted it. They never mention any problem.
"Something is wrong. I live in Santa Rosa, Ca. and in June I called my local dealer and told them what I wanted and they told me about 2 months and I took delivery on the last day of Aug. I ordered as I wanted it. They never mention any problem."
If it was a PRHT you are correct, something is wrong - or more likely, your timing was just perfect. The car had to be just entering production and all they had to do was change the specs to your preference. Most people don't have the good fortune to enter the process at that ideal point. The typical quote for a SOFT TOP order is 3 - 4 months. Transport/delivery alone to the U.S. is 6 - 8 weeks.
Tommorow will be 3 weeks and I have to say the car has lived up to all my expectations,1300 miles on it with no problems, even after some of the Auto trans threads I was reading, I have never had the car bouncing between gears searching for the right one even brakeing on down grades and upgrades. I did stop at my dealer for some buffing of a scuff mark on the car, it was taken care of, I asked him what time frame for a special ordered PRHT would be, I was told scince they are a small dealership they don't get to many and they don't try, but 4 months is what I was told. They just don't make a ton of these cars. If you want one of these and your not lucky enough to find one at a dealer thats not sold, waiting is going to be part of the experience.
Hi....my Miata is 4 weeks old and I have the GT PRHT Automatic in Brilliant Black with PP2. I have driven standards all my life and this is a new experience. I was wondering what seems to be an issue with the weird shifting. I think it does shift weird but not used to automatics, so what do I know. Can anyone help?
I do love the car. It's a beautiful thing and a joy to own and drive for the most part. I found one within a 100 miles of where I live. There was really no discount on this car and I bought in Kentucky. It seems to be the norm around here.
Mine was built on 7/9, I am assuming this is one of the very first 08s. After I got the new I sold my 1990 that was built in 6/89 but still look great. I delivered the old one to Reno from Santa Rosa and followed with my new one and got just over 30mpg. The new one is way faster than the old one. By the way I tried to order the new one w/o a/c and was told I could not. Until a couple of days before I sold the old one the top had not been up in at least 2 years.
It is a little cult like, funny I never wanted to chat about my old Subaru. Gonna be a nice weekend up here so gotta take a fall color drive up over the border into Wisconsin. back to my Koolaid(Budwieser flavored)
Greetings from Oregon. It looks like I've found the right place because I am in my seventh week of waiting for my '08 sport PRHT in stormy blue mica. My build date is second week of November and my ETA is December to January. I have one question (for now) for all of you who ordered MX-5s. What type of documentation did you get from the dealer when you made your deposit? After negotiating the price with my dealer I placed a deposit, but once I got home I realized that the paperwork I was sent home with was not a legally binding contract with the dealer as to the price we agreed upon. The very next day I requested a purchase agreement and it's been like pulling teeth trying to get one from them ever since. I'm losing patience as I feel like the dealer is deliberately trying to keep me in a legally vulnerable position. Am I over-reacting, or am I getting set up for a screwing once the car arrives? Thanks in advance.
The paper work I received was kinda cheesy also, I didn't have a vin# or any thing else to go on other than they told me they had one coming in, but it all worked out and I got the car
Thanks for the reply Wilzap. I'm not really worried about eventually getting the car as I am about the dealer sticking to the price we agreed on once it comes in. Right now all I have is a verbal agreement. I've been trying for almost two months to get the cars specs and the agreed upon price down in a legally binding contract. They know this is the exact car I want and after waiting five months they'll have me right where they want me. I'm really curious as to what the standard procedure is regarding purchase agreements when a deposit is made and a car is ordered. Am I being paranoid or does it sound like I have good reason to be concerned? Thanks again!
"Thanks for the reply Wilzap. I'm not really worried about eventually getting the car as I am about the dealer sticking to the price we agreed on once it comes in. Right now all I have is a verbal agreement. I've been trying for almost two months to get the cars specs and the agreed upon price down in a legally binding contract. They know this is the exact car I want and after waiting five months they'll have me right where they want me. I'm really curious as to what the standard procedure is regarding purchase agreements when a deposit is made and a car is ordered. Am I being paranoid or does it sound like I have good reason to be concerned? Thanks again!"
I think most dealers would like to keep all their options open. Not saying they would play any last minute games, but these cars are making some people do strange things.
I must tell you that my first order also had a discount off the MSRP. Some time later, I was told there was a problem and my car had mistakenly been sold to someone else. I have no proof, but I suspect they found someone who would pay full price and my car went to them. Again, no proof of this, but it seemed suspicious that my car just vanished. If you can get something signed by the SALES MANAGER, I'd do it... (Unfortunately this car is creating a classic seller's market and even the best weapon you have, threatening to walk away, does not carry the same impact. The dealer knows that someone else will come along shortly. The phrase "take it or leave it" can come into play here.)
Comments
Where can I get reliable information on residual values and money factor?
Is edmunds the best place to check for pricing and to use the TMV as a guiding number?
This sort of confusion is very common for these cars. It happened to me too. Mazda DOES NOT give the dealers very much information at all and they have to guess and make assumptions. Even Mazda USA reps are in the dark.
My hard-learned advice, just wait quietly and patiently. Easier said than done I know, but asking questions will just add to the stress. Delivery in about four to six months from the time the order goes to Mazda is typical. Anything less is really good fortune. (or more likely a car that is changed to customer specs just before production. Timing can make all the difference.)
If you have a VIN, the car has gone to production. Delivery is typically around six weeks (+/-) after build. Good luck.
Something to keep in mind... Mazda accepts orders for these cars quarterly: Jan(?), April, July, Oct. I'm not sure how long the July window was open, but it's likely that an August order would fall between allocation windows and actually be submitted in the October window. It would then be at least four months from THEN. The build clock for your order may actually just be starting now. Sorry, but I know this from personal experience... :mad: Hopefully you have snowy winter months to burn off anyway.
Correct. Mazda does do quarterly allocations. Also keep in mind, if you place an order with a dealer, that dealer may not be allocated any Hard Top's that quarter. Dealers cannot just "place an order" and Mazda will build it.
I tell my customers "Your order will arrive 14-16 weeks from time your order is processed." I am also up front as to when that order will be processed. I just placed my allocation on Thursday, and it wont be processed until Nov 1st.
BTY, I was just able to order the new 2008 Special Edition MX-5. It's pretty nice. I was allocated 2. I am expecting delivery of those in early March.
As you can imagine, that type of openness is not universal - either from a genuine lack of understanding or a desire to avoid saying something the customer doesn't want to hear. I have experienced both. (This process started for me in late March. Two orders later, I'm still waiting. The first order was for a car the dealer didn't have to sell. He failed to mention that for 2 months. Since I will now get the car in the dead of winter, I really won't have it to drive until Spring - just about a full year wait. What a mess.
"BTY, I was just able to order the new 2008 Special Edition MX-5. It's pretty nice. I was allocated 2. I am expecting delivery of those in early March."
But, have you been given images of the actual car? The pics in the '08 brochures are just Icy Blue Photoshop versions of the standard car. There may be wheel/trim differences. I'm told Mazda has not released final images but they are allowing orders.... Mazda seems really bad at getting out product details in a timely manner. This causes a lot of confusion for dealers and customers. (Is it true that the SE is only available as a soft top?)
Trust me, it's not always that straightforward. Mazda is BAD at giving accurate information leading up to build. I have dealt with Mazda USA directly and most of the bad info I received came from them. I have been given 3 different build dates for my second order. The order itself was changed from a July order# to an October order#. Mazda will pick and choose orders to suit some unknown production dynamic. I know of one person who also ordered during the July window and their car was built weeks ago and is at port in Japan. My dealer has simply avoided any updates because it is subject to change. I have talked to many others with similar treatment. (visit miata.net for additional evidence. One member had to wait nine months from order to delivery.)
Be happy you've had a relatively hassle-free wait. Once the car hits production you are close to the end and there is less that can go wrong. But MANY people have been yanked around because of bad info, no info or unexpected changes by Mazda.
sher2327, again, feel happy that you had an easy process. For many people, myself included, it has NOT been so easy. I understand this process better than most and it was sometimes the fault of the dealer, but not always. Mazda USA caused most of the problems for me and their info came from Mazda systems linked to Japan. (And yes, Mazda quoted me three different build dates based on inaccurate detail in the ordering system.) The idea that stereotypical "Japanese business principles" somehow makes Mazda beyond poor service is naive. Miata.net has many similar stories and it's more than bad dealer service. YMMV, but Mazda has made this process more difficult than it needs to be, period. They are only building a small number of these cars so this should be an "exclusive" buying experience. Instead, it can be filled with assumptions, best guesses and wrong information.
You are now at the final stages where the timeline is easy to establish and track. It may be hard to understand the problem. But, even this stage can be unpredictable. Here is a relevant quote from another recent buyer:
"My Dealer reported my car was on the water. Then that it was in port. After it was in port I checked again for Delivery and the car was again on the water. As in another thread ' You can buy an item on ebay and track it to your door and Mazda has no f***ing idea where a $30,000 car is." Either Mazda or the shipping co mixed vins up. I made a 'big deal' that Mazda needs to be more proactive about cleaning up the whole ordering, tracking & delivery process in all feedback. It totally sucks! I got mine & totally happy & it took 200+ days for an unallocated car."
So please be happy with your experience but don't try to use your case as a template for others. I've spent too much time listening to bad information from people who should know better, and hearing similar stories from other buyers. I know how this works and I wish the solution was as simple as changing dealers.
These reports were given via phone from reps at the Mazda Customer Assistance Center in Irvine, CA. There was no reason to ask for a hard copy. After all, I was talking directly to Mazda, who would know better? But after the third new date (10/18), I realized they either didn't have a clue or the process was so changeable that it was impossible to give an accurate date. I have now stopped asking any questions and will just wait for a call when the car arrives. It's too frustrating to keep having my expectations changed.
I have pictures. I will try to load them here.
Really, all the special edition is a different color, numbered plate, special badging, dark brown interior, and it's only in the GT trim with the premium package.
The ones that I got from Mazda say "MC design model and is not 100% product correct." so while the members of the Miataforum and members here would love to see them, until I have confirmation of the final design, I do not plan on posting anything.
That's what I've heard from others and the reason for my earlier post. Apparently no one has official pics of the car yet. I don't know why people (buyers and sellers) don't have the final images by now. This isn't a toaster oven, this is a major purchase. I guess if people are still willing to buy a car based only on "kinda-sorta" pictures, Mazda isn't concerned. I still don't understand the delay...
I ordered as I wanted it. They never mention any problem.
I ordered as I wanted it. They never mention any problem."
If it was a PRHT you are correct, something is wrong - or more likely, your timing was just perfect. The car had to be just entering production and all they had to do was change the specs to your preference. Most people don't have the good fortune to enter the process at that ideal point. The typical quote for a SOFT TOP order is 3 - 4 months. Transport/delivery alone to the U.S. is 6 - 8 weeks.
I do love the car. It's a beautiful thing and a joy to own and drive for the most part. I found one within a 100 miles of where I live. There was really no discount on this car and I bought in Kentucky. It seems to be the norm around here.
"If you want one of these and your not lucky enough to find one at a dealer thats not sold, waiting is going to be part of the experience."
Yep, and you'll probably pay full price. But that's the deal, take it or leave it...
Until a couple of days before I sold the old one the top had not been up in at least 2 years.
Are you able to post it? If not, I'd be glad to do it and paste a link here. (dja dot mail at comcast dot net)
I think most dealers would like to keep all their options open. Not saying they would play any last minute games, but these cars are making some people do strange things.
I must tell you that my first order also had a discount off the MSRP. Some time later, I was told there was a problem and my car had mistakenly been sold to someone else. I have no proof, but I suspect they found someone who would pay full price and my car went to them. Again, no proof of this, but it seemed suspicious that my car just vanished. If you can get something signed by the SALES MANAGER, I'd do it... (Unfortunately this car is creating a classic seller's market and even the best weapon you have, threatening to walk away, does not carry the same impact. The dealer knows that someone else will come along shortly. The phrase "take it or leave it" can come into play here.)