I'm FINALLY getting close to getting my 8 :D :D :D and wanted to see what you thought about the price I was quoted. Keep in mind that this is for an '04.

Email from the dealer:

Option Group: 1GT - GRAND TOURING PKG M/T
Port Installed Accessories: CGN - CARGO NET • • STR - SPARE TIRE KIT
VIN No. : JM1FE173040133039 • Ship date: 07-28-2004
MSRP: $31,635.00 • Invoice: $29,172.00
Color (Exterior/Interior): NORDIC GREEN MC /BLACK

It is a 6spd manual and does have the cargo net and spare tire kit.
My sale price to you would be $29,372 + tax, tags and $75 processing.
There are no hidden fees...



Is 200 above invoice a decent deal, or should I try to get under invoice since the '05s are starting to hit the lots? I was thinking about asking for the same price, but out the door, taxes, etc included.

 

Try to go for about a grand under invoice, and maybe settle for about $600 under.

Though personally, with the 2005's being out, the hit you will take when selling the 04 vs 05 should make you strongly consider waiting for a nice 2005. Especially with the rep the 2004's have.

 

The rep of the 04's meaning people believe them to be poor, thus lowering the resale value in the future?

I'm planning on this car being around for the long term, so differences in resale value aren't as important right now as my saving a couple grand

 

yes, because the earlier 2004's had flooding issues and mileage issues. That may not be true anymore, but if you look around, people think that of the RX-8 in general. As time goes on, a 2004 risks being known as the bad bunch, though anyone who looks into it would know there were only a few who had problems, and they were earlier 2004's.

 

On a related note - is it ok to haggle in email? haha

 

if you're not worried about resale, go for the jugular and see how much you can get them down to. I like the "fax 20 dealers" approach, fax them all and ask for their lowest price. I used the internet instead of faxing, but the same thing works.


I actually bought my car after dealing with their internet sales person (who offers dealer invoice without haggling).. keep in mind this was over 4 months ago.

 

One last question - is the spare tire kit in for good, or can it be removed for a corresponding reduction in price?

 

it can be removed. If the car you plan on buying has it installed, I doubt you're going to get a reduction in price unless they really need to get rid of the car.

I always try to avoid any dealer installed options, they charge full MSRP and charge up the wazoo for install fees. For example, strakes cost $199 online. My dealership had a car with strakes they installed - they were charging $440 for the strakes + install fees. I bought my car and installed the strakes myself, all you do is screw them in.

Your spare tire kit was installed by the dealer, what are they charging you for it? If they're like my dealer, they'll charge you for 3 hours labor for the spare, and 1 hour for the cargo net.. at $75 an hour.

 

Sorry, one last one.
I saw copy of Mazda Price Schedule 2003-02 where the invoice and MSRP are given for each car and option. On this sheet it lists the GT package as $3355, while Edmunds and KBB list it as $3441 - which one is accurate?