Hey everyone, nice forums! I've been browsing around a bit since I plan on getting an '05 next month, and I really like all the DIY guides around here. Good job!

Anyway, like I said I'm looking to get an '05 next month, and I was wondering which dealership in the Atlanta area would be the best to deal with. I'm really really bad at the whole haggling thing, and I could very easily get taken advantage of. So what are your recommendations?

 

Avoid Jim Ellis. They will try and tack on a $499 dealer fee after the fact when you go to sign the papers. I also noticed a few days after dealing with them a hidden clause in the many many pages that in essence iyou cannot sue them no matter what even if it is actually their fault.

 

i don't recommend stone mountain mazda, which is where i bought mine from. i've heard bad things about rick case. no opinion on mazda of roswell, but you get free tire for the life of the car with them, but i think you have to do all your scheduled maintanence with them to get it.

in atlanta, typical dealer fees range between 400 and 500, but some go as high as 600.

you'll need to do the calculations and all, but typically, if you can get the sticker price as your drive out price, then its a good deal for everyone (remember, dealerships are in the business of making money). and set an upper limit that you will spend (maybe 600 above sticker as drive out) and if they won't match it, don't be afraid to get up and leave. also, if you get up and leave before your upper limit, often time you will get the car at that price.

also, decide which features you want on the car and be stick to those...don't let the dealer talk you up. i'm not a big fan of extended warranties, but some people like them. an option that could possibly be worth the investment is GAP insurance.

set the price you want on the car before you discuss trade in at all and don't discuss what you want your monthly payment to be, they can pad and do all sorts of crazy number stuff to get them more money and get you your price.

just remember, don't be afraid to walk away. you don't need to buy that exact car right then. there are plenty of 8s available.

another thing, get pre-approved for a loan from a bank or credit union. that way you aren't dependant on them getting you a loan.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably go to Mazda of Roswell, since I've heard a few good things about them (well, the tech dept anyway).

On a somewhat related note, is there anything I should ask them to check before I drive off the lot? I've heard that the factory doesn't completely charge the AC sometimes, but I'm not sure if that was for the 04s or 05s. Are there any TSBs I should make doubly sure have been performed?

 

depending on the build date (obviously), new cars should be fine concerning the TSBs. If you are buying it used, you can ask them to perform any TSBs, which they may or may not do since they are primarily for the cars exhibiting the problems, which not all do.

Also, make sure you know where the wheel lock key is before you drive off. when i bought my car, (not from mazda of roswell) the key lock was missing and i had to go back and have the service dept. remove the existing locks and put a new set on.

other than that, you should be all good. the recalls will have already been performed, so you won't have to worry about that.

I was there this weekend getting my oil changed. they've got a beautiful shinka in the showroom. but you'll enjoy the car no matter which trim you get.

 

I went to 4-5 ATL dealers. Stone moutain didn't have much to offer overall. Rick case, I felt like they were trying to hustle me--although they did offer the lowest price (after you threaten them with other dealers' deals), the other one, started with a "C" was unremarkable. I finally went to Jim Ellis and got mine. (blue,GT,MT). Wasn't the cheapest deal, but they seemed straight forward at the time (relatively speaking), and I was tired of dealing with carsalesman at that point. I'd buy from them again, but would try to squeeze a better deal.

 

If you are willing to travel a little, check this out.

http://www.fightingchance.com/

Basically you eliminate the haggling process by faxing request for prices from dealers within a certain distance from your home. When (and sometimes if) they respond, make note of the various prices. Then you take the best deal you receive and go back to the top candidates to see if they'll meet it.

I dealt only with Sales Mgrs on the phone and never went into their showroom until a deal was struck. No haggling at all just a few phone calls. Worked great on my first 8 with the price being around 1k under invoice. Good luck to ya.

 

I bought two from Moss Robertson in Gainesville and have nothing but positives on everything from price to ordering a specific car to service. Service has been exceptional.