Help a new guy

[Big-Ben]

Hello guys,

Let me introduce myself first, my name is Ben; I live in TX, I'm 20 and just currently got a Full-time Job as a Lab Animal Technician.

So I'm looking to buy my very first car, out of my own pocket; And my choice is the awesome ('08-'09)MazdaSpeed3 (Sport Edition) -- Been admiring MS3 for a while now.
Of course it'll be Brand New (and White!!).
Hoping to purchase it by Feb. '09. (drive)

Any tips I should know before buying a car?
I don't want to over pay; Tips on negotiating/haggling?
How much did you pay for your MS3 (New or Used -- please state)?
What's the reasonable price so I won't get ripped off by the dealership?(upbum)
I was thinking around $22,000+ would be a fair deal.
I'm planning on putting down $3-4,000 Cash.
5-year down payment plan.
I won't be trading any car, as mentioned this will be my first.
Though I've been driving my Grandfather's old car -- mainly used by my family.

Any other things I need to know? I just started doing my research about it, so any help would be great.(hear ya)
I learned little tips from Youtube. (alright)

Thanks guys. I'm hoping to become enthusiast like you guys. (2thumbs)
(By the way, I don't think my dad is good at negotiating -- so I'll have to do things myself.)

 

[Booper]

Hey Big-Ben, I paid $25,500 total,(tax+title+registration)included for my 08 speed GT last April. If you can pay invoice for it I think that's a fair deal.
My best advice would be to contact 4 or 5 dealers in your area and tell them the exact model you want, then let them bid against each other.

Good Luck and keep us updated!!

 

[Big-Ben]

Hey Big-Ben, I paid $25,500 total,(tax+title+registration)included for my 08 speed GT last April. If you can pay invoice for it I think that's a fair deal.
My best advice would be to contact 4 or 5 dealers in your area and tell them the exact model you want, then let them bid against each other.

Good Luck and keep us updated!!

Wow, that's actually a good price for a GT.
If I can find a GT in that price, I wouldn't mind taking it as well.

 

[Kain]

Depending on your state's sales tax, you can probably get a GT for $24k, maybe even less in this crappy economy. I got mine when the outlook wasn't as bleak 5 months ago for $24.3k OTD, that's with 3% VA sales tax.