I've been calling all around the L.A. area for RX-8s, and can therefore speak with some (minor) authority on the state of availability, ignorance, and gouging in this area.

I've called just over 10-12 dealerships, and here is what I've found. All are Mazda dealerships, all show they have been allocated RX-8s, according to the mazdausa site.

3 places I called were completely without a clue, they had no idea. they seemed almost confused to hear that an rx-8 existed, let alone that they were going to receive some. honestly, it was odd.

2 i called brushed me off, saying they had some coming, really didn't know when, had no idea what was in the allotment, but that whatever was coming was probably presold, and that there wasn't a point in my getting on their list. (they weren't rude, just didn't seem to think their time was worth talking to me)

5 knew the cars were coming, weren't entirely sure when, except that it would be within the week, didn't know exactly what was coming, and they'd be happy to call me when they came in (they had a big list of people to call, one or two dealerships indicated none were presold, just that they had a long list of people who wanted to come down and see them).

2 had the rx8s in. one had gotten 10 in today and they are all sold, except for one. she told me yesterday none were presold. i don't know if they were simply all bought today, or what. anyway, they were, according to her, being sold at $4k ABOVE MSRP; well, at least the one they had remaining was (it was exactly the one i wanted, but i won't pay $4k above MSRP for it, thanks very much). the other dealership had gotten some in yesterday, had sold all but two. both the ones they had were automatics (not of interest to me). both had a sticker of MSRP, but the price WAS negotiable, he said they'd be willing to come down, though he didn't say by how much.

So, anyway, I think that's about all I can remember...

I guess I was just intrigued by the wide range of dealer awareness/behavior/etc.

I've got a deposit on a titanium grand touring at one dealership, I'm not thrilled with the interior (i wanted black/chaparal sp? or maybe black/red) and i've got black/black, and i didn't want a rear spoiler and this one has one. it's at msrp. hopefully i'll like it enough (my gf keeps complaining that spoilers are ugly), it should arrive next week. i'm still hoping to find a spoiler-less one, though...

Quincy

 

Tell your girlfriend that she shouldn't get a spoiler on her car if she doesn't want one.

Thanks for sharing all the info. You probably saved a few people a LOT of legwork!

 

Call Barb at Cush Mazda in Escondido. They've got an unsold 8 sitting in the lot right now. Don't know color, but there's a chance it meets your needs. I got into the first allocation thru her when someone backed out of the deal; has everything I want -- Red; Red/Black; navi; no spoiler (I agree with ur gf.) Since mine was a pre-order (as is the one at the lot) there was no markup. Barb said future sales probably would have markup.

Also talk to Kurt at Hine Mazda in SD. He is very knowledgeable about the car, courteous, and will be upfront about what's coming in, what's pre-sold, etc. He told me the dealership would never markup their cars above MSRP. Good luck and hold out for what you really want. It'd be a shame to get "almost" what you want after all this wait.

 

thanks for the advice, i'll give those guys a call.

as for my girlfriend, well, the thing is i don't have a strong opinion about it. i can't say i want the spoiler, but neither do i really dislike it. it's fine as spoilers go, better than most. so, i think i could live with a spoiler without any trouble. and my gf has only been sort of joking about it, pointing to a picture or car here or there and saying, see it looks better without a spoiler.

but, so far the impression i've been getting is, to get the exact combination i want would likely push it to october. and yikes, i just can't wait that long.

so, we'll see. i do hate to spend so much and not feel totally comfortable with what i'm getting, but, on the other hand, i'm not sure that i really have a strong opinion about the seats or the spoiler. i mean, would black/red go well with titanium? i suspect it might look odd. would the brown chaparal stuff look dull/dirty and funky in a year or two? maybe. so, i just don't know, and i'm not really going to know. as for the colors i really wouldn't know without seeing them, and given the limited availability that ain't going to happen! so... who knows. also thinking about the black with the black/red. that could maybe be cool, but do i want a black car. damnit. i'm 31, and it's my first new car ever. and i'm not used to feeling the limitations of unavailability and the massiveness of the purchase.

quincy

 

The black/red interior combination looks great on any color but green and yellow... and everyone comments on how great it looks in person when they see it.

 

Quincy,

I think the black/red goes VERY well with the titanium. IMO, better than the Chapparal. See for yourself - picture that was posted elsewhere on the forum.

 

I'll go the other way on this one... I think the two tone looked a little to "fast & furious" for me. Who knows what people will think of it in 5 years. Cool still, or ugly and dated. On top of that, how will the color hold - get dirty quick? fade? wear quickly? That's why I went with an all black interior. So far I've had the opportunity to go after 4 RX-8s. 3 allocations, and mine - guess which one I'm still waiting on....

 

Well Booze, sounds like the two-tone is NOT for you. That's OK. I think the two-tone red/black is very sporty and goes with this car. That's why I also think they should have released the black/yellow and the black/blue to go with the Lightning Yellow, Winning Blue & Brilliant Black.

If it needs more upkeep to keep it clean, then I'll do it. No problem.

And who cares what other people think of it in 5 years. It's what you, the owner thinks of it. If you like it (two-tone) - get it. If not, then get the plain black like you did. I never cared what others thought. Do you really?

 

I agree with both of you.

If you like it, buy it. Don't worry about resale, or what anyone else thinks. It's your car, enjoy it.

However, I do think the two-toned interior will look dated 5 years from now.

My $.02

 

jonalan,

My "plug nickel" is worth more to me than your "$.02. I think it will age well.

 

I too have been calling/visiting dealerships in the greater Los Angeles county and surrounding counties (Orange, San Bernardino). I put in several zip code searches on the Mazdausa.com site and if a dealership was on the list, it was called. From the time period of 7/16-7/18, here are the dealers I found to be selling above MSRP.


Alhambra: Shouldn't surprise anyone here, $4000 over MSRP.

Ontario(Romero?): Salesperson said 'just a few hundred over MSRP'

Huntington Beach(Heritage): I remember someone here saying this place licks the left nut(Cylo?) or something along those lines and unfortunately, I have to concur with that statement. Was told several times over the phone by a saleslady named Angela, that they had the exact model I was looking for, as I was ONLY interested in that (Titanium gray, red/black interior, 6 sp, GT, etc) and they were selling for MSRP. I made an appointment, made the 40 mile trek in Friday afternoon traffic on the 5 only to find the salesperson not there, the dealership only had a blazing yellow and sunlight silver to sell, all with black interior. Plus, they are now charging $5000 over MSRP! I can't say much about the rest of the staff, but Angela definately 'licks the left nut'



I'll be updating this list of markup dealerships as I get to visit more, hope this helps people with knowing which ones to avoid.