New ~$12-14K commuter car?

[cKGunslinger]

Well this is annoying. I keep seeing all these "cheap" cars advertised, but when I get to the dealerships, they are $5K more than I expected.

Toyota Yaris
Online MSRP starts about $10,500.
Cheapest one on the Dealer lot: $16,989

Repeat for almost everything near $12K. All MSRPs start at ~$16K+. Can I talk them down $4000?

 

[sjwaste]

Check CarsDirect.com. They WILL sell you a car for whatever they quote, even if it has to be shipped across the country from another dealer (they say the price may vary, but others have told me they're good on staying close). My cousin did it and was very impressed with the speed and service. He said he got exactly the options he wanted on his Sentra, and it had to be shipped from a dealer in CA to NY, where they transported it down to his home.

It's probably a good way to get the car you want if the car you want isn't what you're finding on dealer lots.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Well this is annoying. I keep seeing all these "cheap" cars advertised, but when I get to the dealerships, they are $5K more than I expected.

Toyota Yaris
Online MSRP starts about $10,500.
Cheapest one on the Dealer lot: $16,989

Repeat for almost everything near $12K. All MSRPs start at ~$16K+. Can I talk them down $4000?

Most people do not want stripped cars, they want options. Also, the options have high margins for the manufacturers.

Buy your local Friday or Satruday newspaper for the 3-closet metro areas and proceed to shop the loss-leaders. Those are the cars advertised for cheap in the hopes it attracts buyers to the dealership. Its then the salesmans goal to get you to buy a more expensive car.

Your other options are putting a car on order from the factory or asking your dealership to locate a car for you with only the options you want.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Well, at the end of the day, I decided to test drive a Mazda 3, even though it was outside of my price-range.

They listed the one I liked (dark grey - manual) for $15,900 + TTL (cheapest one they had.) I told them I was looking for a $12,500 car (Hyundai.) It looked bleak so he asked the "For a lark, what price do we need to sell you this car" question.

I said, "Something very close to $13,500, out-the-door." He said, "They'll never go for that, but I'll ask anyways."

He came back with $14,800 and said that was probably the best I could hope for, so I got up, shook his hand and walked out, telling him $14,000 was my absolute maximum. He caught me in lot and said, "He (the manager) offered $14,398."

I said, "Are you really going to lose this sale over $398? Call it an even $14,100, and I'll sign." I stood outside while he ran in. I was just about to leave again, when he came out, saying, "It's a deal! It's a deal! I can't believe he went that low, but it's a deal!"

After the 60m/75k bumper-to-bumper warranty and GAP, I left with a very nice-looking (but rather bare) Mazda3 iSport for $14,900. I'm sure I over-paid , but my 8-year-old Protege with 180,700 miles was leaking transmission fluid in their lot, so I'm pretty satisfied.

Galaxy Grey - 5-speed manual - no real options to speak of.

 

[randomlinh]

congrats, and welcome to the club! I should have done that... but when I got the car.. they couldn't find my color, i was impatient/stubborn, and wanted the 2.3L

 

[senseamp]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Well, at the end of the day, I decided to test drive a Mazda 3, even though it was outside of my price-range.

They listed the one I liked (dark grey - manual) for $15,900 + TTL (cheapest one they had.) I told them I was looking for a $12,500 car (Hyundai.) It looked bleak so he asked the "For a lark, what price do we need to sell you this car" question.

I said, "Something very close to $13,500, out-the-door." He said, "They'll never go for that, but I'll ask anyways."

He came back with $14,800 and said that was probably the best I could hope for, so I got up, shook his hand and walked out, telling him $14,000 was my absolute maximum. He caught me in lot and said, "He (the manager) offered $14,398."

I said, "Are you really going to lose this sale over $398? Call it an even $14,100, and I'll sign." I stood outside while he ran in. I was just about to leave again, when he came out, saying, "It's a deal! It's a deal! I can't believe he went that low, but it's a deal!"

After the 60m/75k bumper-to-bumper warranty and GAP, I left with a very nice-looking (but rather bare) Mazda3 iSport for $14,900. I'm sure I over-paid , but my 8-year-old Protege with 180,700 miles was leaking transmission fluid in their lot, so I'm pretty satisfied.

Galaxy Grey - 5-speed manual - no real options to speak of.

You did the right thing. You cannot beat that car at that price. Welcome to the family.
Check out www.mazda3forums.com
Also, if you want to unlock the trip computer, you can do:

1. Press and hold down CD and AM/FM buttons
2. Start your car while still pressing down on those buttons
3. The display will read, "DIS ON" which means Driver Information System On.
4. Release the CD and AM/FM buttons
5. Turn off and restart the car
6. Now press the Set button and cycle through your avg. mpg, miles until empty, current mpg, and avg mph!

Enjoy.

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Well, at the end of the day, I decided to test drive a Mazda 3, even though it was outside of my price-range.

They listed the one I liked (dark grey - manual) for $15,900 + TTL (cheapest one they had.) I told them I was looking for a $12,500 car (Hyundai.) It looked bleak so he asked the "For a lark, what price do we need to sell you this car" question.

I said, "Something very close to $13,500, out-the-door." He said, "They'll never go for that, but I'll ask anyways."

He came back with $14,800 and said that was probably the best I could hope for, so I got up, shook his hand and walked out, telling him $14,000 was my absolute maximum. He caught me in lot and said, "He (the manager) offered $14,398."

I said, "Are you really going to lose this sale over $398? Call it an even $14,100, and I'll sign." I stood outside while he ran in. I was just about to leave again, when he came out, saying, "It's a deal! It's a deal! I can't believe he went that low, but it's a deal!"

After the 60m/75k bumper-to-bumper warranty and GAP, I left with a very nice-looking (but rather bare) Mazda3 iSport for $14,900. I'm sure I over-paid , but my 8-year-old Protege with 180,700 miles was leaking transmission fluid in their lot, so I'm pretty satisfied.

Galaxy Grey - 5-speed manual - no real options to speak of.

thats one reason i hate car dealerships. you have to jump through loops and play these stupid games to buy a car at a reasonable price.

 

[Pandaren]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
I said, "Are you really going to lose this sale over $398? Call it an even $14,100, and I'll sign." I stood outside while he ran in. I was just about to leave again, when he came out, saying, "It's a deal! It's a deal! I can't believe he went that low, but it's a deal!"
...
Galaxy Grey - 5-speed manual - no real options to speak of.

Congrats on the Mazda3! It's a great looking & performing vehicle and you got a nice deal

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Well, at the end of the day, I decided to test drive a Mazda 3, even though it was outside of my price-range.

They listed the one I liked (dark grey - manual) for $15,900 + TTL (cheapest one they had.) I told them I was looking for a $12,500 car (Hyundai.) It looked bleak so he asked the "For a lark, what price do we need to sell you this car" question.

I said, "Something very close to $13,500, out-the-door." He said, "They'll never go for that, but I'll ask anyways."

He came back with $14,800 and said that was probably the best I could hope for, so I got up, shook his hand and walked out, telling him $14,000 was my absolute maximum. He caught me in lot and said, "He (the manager) offered $14,398."

I said, "Are you really going to lose this sale over $398? Call it an even $14,100, and I'll sign." I stood outside while he ran in. I was just about to leave again, when he came out, saying, "It's a deal! It's a deal! I can't believe he went that low, but it's a deal!"

After the 60m/75k bumper-to-bumper warranty and GAP, I left with a very nice-looking (but rather bare) Mazda3 iSport for $14,900. I'm sure I over-paid , but my 8-year-old Protege with 180,700 miles was leaking transmission fluid in their lot, so I'm pretty satisfied.

Galaxy Grey - 5-speed manual - no real options to speak of.

congrats! post some pics of the new car

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: senseamp

You did the right thing. You cannot beat that car at that price. Welcome to the family.
Check out www.mazda3forums.com
Also, if you want to unlock the trip computer, you can do:

1. Press and hold down CD and AM/FM buttons
2. Start your car while still pressing down on those buttons
3. The display will read, "DIS ON" which means Driver Information System On.
4. Release the CD and AM/FM buttons
5. Turn off and restart the car
6. Now press the Set button and cycle through your avg. mpg, miles until empty, current mpg, and avg mph!

Enjoy.

Doesn't work on the '08 models.

 

[senseamp]

ouch. Is there another way to enable it. having the instantaneous mileage there really helps adjust your driving style for better mileage.

 

[BMdoobieW]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Well, at the end of the day, I decided to test drive a Mazda 3, even though it was outside of my price-range.

They listed the one I liked (dark grey - manual) for $15,900 + TTL (cheapest one they had.) I told them I was looking for a $12,500 car (Hyundai.) It looked bleak so he asked the "For a lark, what price do we need to sell you this car" question.

I said, "Something very close to $13,500, out-the-door." He said, "They'll never go for that, but I'll ask anyways."

He came back with $14,800 and said that was probably the best I could hope for, so I got up, shook his hand and walked out, telling him $14,000 was my absolute maximum. He caught me in lot and said, "He (the manager) offered $14,398."

I said, "Are you really going to lose this sale over $398? Call it an even $14,100, and I'll sign." I stood outside while he ran in. I was just about to leave again, when he came out, saying, "It's a deal! It's a deal! I can't believe he went that low, but it's a deal!"

After the 60m/75k bumper-to-bumper warranty and GAP, I left with a very nice-looking (but rather bare) Mazda3 iSport for $14,900. I'm sure I over-paid , but my 8-year-old Protege with 180,700 miles was leaking transmission fluid in their lot, so I'm pretty satisfied.

Galaxy Grey - 5-speed manual - no real options to speak of.

You did the right thing. You cannot beat that car at that price. Welcome to the family.
Check out www.mazda3forums.com
Also, if you want to unlock the trip computer, you can do:

1. Press and hold down CD and AM/FM buttons
2. Start your car while still pressing down on those buttons
3. The display will read, "DIS ON" which means Driver Information System On.
4. Release the CD and AM/FM buttons
5. Turn off and restart the car
6. Now press the Set button and cycle through your avg. mpg, miles until empty, current mpg, and avg mph!

Enjoy.

Whoa, will this work on my 2005 Mazda3s?

Hmmm, GOOGLE seems to say no - only 2006 and 2007.

 

[cKGunslinger]

I was going to take it out and photo the new car, but it's been cold and rather wet, so I never got around to taking pictures. It's cold and windy once again today, so I just snapped some quick shots:

Side View
Front Side View
Rear Side View
Interior

I love the color, as it seems to change depending on the light conditions. It's goes from very dark grey, to average grey, to light grey with a hint of underlying blue:

Interior is clean, except for the grass I keep tracking in. Need to get some new mats. Fuzzy steering wheel is courtesy of my daughter.

 

[Phobic9]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
I was going to take it out and photo the new car, but it's been cold and rather wet, so I never got around to taking pictures. It's cold and windy once again today, so I just snapped some quick shots:

Side View
Front Side View
Rear Side View
Interior

I love the color, as it seems to change depending on the light conditions. It's goes from very dark grey, to average grey, to light grey with a hint of underlying blue:

Interior is clean, except for the grass I keep tracking in. Need to get some new mats. Fuzzy steering wheel is courtesy of my daughter.

Very nice looking car. Maybe I missed it in the thread somewhere but what year is is? I'm very close to deciding if I want to buy a 2005 Mazda 3 hatchback that's listed at about $12,000 which seems low but I guess the seller just wants to get rid of it. I checked Carfax and nothing has been reported which is a definite plus.

So any major complaints with your car? How's the ride/gas mileage?

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: Phobic9

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
I was going to take it out and photo the new car, but it's been cold and rather wet, so I never got around to taking pictures. It's cold and windy once again today, so I just snapped some quick shots:

Side View
Front Side View
Rear Side View
Interior

I love the color, as it seems to change depending on the light conditions. It's goes from very dark grey, to average grey, to light grey with a hint of underlying blue:

Interior is clean, except for the grass I keep tracking in. Need to get some new mats. Fuzzy steering wheel is courtesy of my daughter.

Very nice looking car. Maybe I missed it in the thread somewhere but what year is is? I'm very close to deciding if I want to buy a 2005 Mazda 3 hatchback that's listed at about $12,000 which seems low but I guess the seller just wants to get rid of it. I checked Carfax and nothing has been reported which is a definite plus.

So any major complaints with your car? How's the ride/gas mileage?

It's a 2008, 2.0 iSport, base model - no options other than A/C.

I like the car quite a bit. Nice ride, decent power, looks sweet. I drive a lot in rush-hour traffic, but on the 3 fill-ups I've done so far, I've gotten 31, 29, and 32 mpg.

My only complaint is backing up. Due to the factory tint of the windows and the angle of the car, it's somewhat difficult for me to navigate in reverse. Daytime is not bad, but at night, I can't see jack. The reverse lights aren't that bright, either. I don't' know if you can replace them with some super-brights or something. I might look into installing a back-up camera, just for grins.

But yeah, that's my only complaint so far, so that's not bad. Since I did get the 5-yr B2B warranty, I kinda wish I had gotten power-windows/locks. I had problems with them after the warranty expired on my old Mazda, so I chose manual everything this time, but having to manual deal with all the other doors other than the driver's is somewhat of a hassle.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Almost 10 years later, just rolled 200K miles on the old Mazda.

A/C is flaking-out (short-cycling compressor - adding coolant didn't help.) Check-engine just popped on as well. But other than that, it's held up pretty well.

Anyway, still have it for now, but now a new member of the household:

2015 Dodge Ram Big Horn w/ 4WD. Because, Texas.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Almost 10 years later, just rolled 200K miles on the old Mazda.

A/C is flaking-out (short-cycling compressor - adding coolant didn't help.) Check-engine just popped on as well. But other than that, it's held up pretty well.

Anyway, still have it for now, but now a new member of the household:

2015 Dodge Ram Big Horn w/ 4WD. Because, Texas.

What, no after pics of the Mazda?

 

[cKGunslinger]

What, no after pics of the Mazda?

Nah - it looks pretty much the same. A few hail dents, grocery cart dings, and paint starting to fade on the roof and hood.