MS3 / Ebay Barometer

[CHICO2003]

This may not be the best indicator but it certainly sheds some light.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAN...ryZ84158QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

When the new Si & GTI came out, there were tons of bids (far more than the car stickered for) on ebay. Since those cars represent the competition, to us mazda fans, it's bittersweet to see that people out there still don't get it.

Everyone chalked up the MSP's poor success to the fact that it was underpowered and wasn't marketed well. Though I haven't seen a ton of advertisements for the MS3, at least Mazda put some effort in this time around. As far as the power goes... clearly that wasn't an issue.

This one example is clearly not enough to go by. Not to mention, it's far to soon to speculate. That said, for those of us who see this car in their future, if the interest level doesn't pick up neither will sales. This could potentially create an even better bargain in the upcoming months. Only time will tell.

 

[nonopr]

I have follow Ebay so far and?

This is no indication of how hot this car it is. The photos of this post on ebay are lame, no good angles and the feedback for this dealer is not the best.
But putting that aside, I have follow in the last 2 month sales of the MS3 on ebay and every single one of the cars have sold before the Bidding ends in early ending or sold out of ebay. The color Cosmic Blue is the last color selling out everytime, Even here in my area the cosmic blue have sold last. First color selling out is red and then the black and follow by grey.
I think what would happen eventually is that Mazda will revise the colors offered and add the white , plus other out there colors like the protege 5 colors a few years ago.
The car is great and the people who know the car will buy this car. This is what we call a stealthy car and for the person who does not know what it is , they wont even look for it.
I am loving the fact that not everyone knows what this car can do, but on the other side, I get a lot of lookers on the highway everyday, I feel like I am on the spot light on my way to work each morning.

 

[RODSCALIP5]

I hope your right, a $1000 rebate wouldn't be too bad, or being able to get it at invoice.

 

[CHICO2003]

This is no indication of how hot this car it is. The photos of this post on ebay are lame, no good angles and the feedback for this dealer is not the best.
But putting that aside, I have follow in the last 2 month sales of the MS3 on ebay and every single one of the cars have sold before the Bidding ends in early ending or sold out of ebay. The color Cosmic Blue is the last color selling out everytime, Even here in my area the cosmic blue have sold last. First color selling out is red and then the black and follow by grey.
I think what would happen eventually is that Mazda will revise the colors offered and add the white , plus other out there colors like the protege 5 colors a few years ago.
The car is great and the people who know the car will buy this car. This is what we call a stealthy car and for the person who does not know what it is , they wont even look for it.
I am loving the fact that not everyone knows what this car can do, but on the other side, I get a lot of lookers on the highway everyday, I feel like I am on the spot light on my way to work each morning.

That's funny that you say that. Unless I'm missing something, there have only been 2 MS3s on ebay.

http://motors.search-completed.ebay...faultQQsacatZ6001QQsacurZ0QQsaslcZ0QQsaslopZ1

The CB that I posted and a black base model. Neither one sold and they both had buy-it-now sticker prices.

I don't think the rating of the dealer has anything to do with it. But even if it did, this dealer has a perfect rating so I'm not sure why you said that.

Regardless, I think you need to put your bias aside. Obviously you have this car and don't want to see its value drop. I can understand that. I was rightfully pissed when my msp (which I bought for sticker) was being sold a few months later for $2k less because they weren't selling well. In the end, I didn't really care that much because I knew I'd probably drive the car into the ground since I loved it so much.

 

[CHICO2003]

I hope your right, a $1000 rebate wouldn't be too bad, or being able to get it at invoice.

That would be nice...but I'm actually hoping for more. Look at what happened with the MS6. Both cars are pretty similar in their respective ways yet, at least for the MS6, nobody really cared. l

We've only seen the first wave come in... and there really weren't a lot of them to be had during that phase. It takes a pretty lousy car to NOT trigger any enthusiasm during this time so the fact that those sold quickly (for sticker) means nothing to me. Once the spring shipments (the majority of MS3s) hit dealerships, we'll have a better idea as to whether or not we should bite the bullet and pay full-boat. I'm a betting man and my money's on waiting it out.

 

[nonopr]

I have seen on Ebay more than 2 cars been sold. Actually it is up to 8 so far for the months of November- December. 4 Red, 2 black, 2 Cosmic Blue. No gey at all.
By the way the Black Mica one you have sold by Buy it now.
Dealer that has the Cosmic Blue, have not sold a car on ebay since January 2006.
I am not bias, once I get the car out of the dealer already is worth nothing, just a car payment and If it does not hold up for the first year, I will trade it in for something else, cars are not to be workship, they are meant to be driven.(shocked)

That's funny that you say that. Unless I'm missing something, there have only been 2 MS3s on ebay.

http://motors.search-completed.ebay.com/mazdaspeed3_Cars-Trucks_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfclZ3QQfisZ2QQflocZ1QQfromZR6QQfrppZ50QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ1QQfssZ0QQsaaffZafdefaultQQsacatZ6001QQsacurZ0QQsaslcZ0QQsaslopZ1

The CB that I posted and a black base model. Neither one sold and they both had buy-it-now sticker prices.

I don't think the rating of the dealer has anything to do with it. But even if it did, this dealer has a perfect rating so I'm not sure why you said that.

Regardless, I think you need to put your bias aside. Obviously you have this car and don't want to see its value drop. I can understand that. I was rightfully pissed when my msp (which I bought for sticker) was being sold a few months later for $2k less because they weren't selling well. In the end, I didn't really care that much because I knew I'd probably drive the car into the ground since I loved it so much.

 

[gar777]

That would be nice...but I'm actually hoping for more. Look at what happened with the MS6. Both cars are pretty similar in their respective ways yet, at least for the MS6, nobody really cared. l

We've only seen the first wave come in... and there really weren't a lot of them to be had during that phase. It takes a pretty lousy car to NOT trigger any enthusiasm during this time so the fact that those sold quickly (for sticker) means nothing to me. Once the spring shipments (the majority of MS3s) hit dealerships, we'll have a better idea as to whether or not we should bite the bullet and pay full-boat. I'm a betting man and my money's on waiting it out.

I'm waiting it out with you. I am sure the prices will drop below MSRP (already have in some places) and it will be eligible for S-plan but I don't think we'll see lots of incentives on the MS3 or, if we do, they will be small (maybe $1,000). The basic 3 has sold very well (over 100,000 per year) and so Mazda doesn't offer incentives on those very often and usually not very much (maybe $1,000 on the i models, less or none on the s models). The MS3 Sport is priced fairly aggressively at only $2,500 or so above a comparably equiped 3s hatch and you get alot for that $2,500 (seats, suspension, LSD and oh that engine) so I don't think they'll be lots of incentives on this car (if any), although it should be eligible for S-Plan and dealers should sell at normal discounts (like $500 over invoice).

The cars on ebay and in the Northern parts of the country aren't selling now b/c of the winter factor, summer tires, Christmas bills, etc. The car is still in limited supply so dealers are trying to get MSRP--as a result, it's not flying off the shelves but the real test will come Springtime when the discounting and volume sales start. If supply is greater than demand, the best deals will probably be in July -August, just before the 2008s come in, assuming this model gets extended (let's hope). This seems to be a much better car at its price point than the MS6 or MSP so I don't think those incentives will be carried to the MS3. I hope I'm wrong as I'd love to pick up a MS3 on S-Plan with a $2K incentive for $19K or whatever but I think that's a pipe dream. This car is good enough to pay MSRP for and still get good value.

 

[CTGrey02]

Every 1000 bucks off is about 20 bucks a month off a 5 year loan. Waiting it out is definately the best course of action with any car like this. Lets just be glad we're not in the same boat as the guys that could afford the Shelby at MSRP (40K) or so but can't deal with the 20-30k markup.

 

[gar777]

Silver MS3 GT listed on eBay (Preston, MD)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320069712855&fromMakeTrack=true

I guess they're not coming in pre-sold so much anymore. It'll be interesting to see if this sells on eBay and, if so, for how much. It's the GT model and there's alot more profit in that one so the dealer has more room. $500 to start . . . anyone?

 

[nonopr]

There are 4 Mazdaspeed 3 on Ebay.

Prices so far from $22,500 down to $500. History tell on ebay that they sell for the list price at the end or are sold in Buy it now or out of Ebay.
Let see if this continues.

 

[quiet desperado]

Prices so far from $22,500 down to $500. History tell on ebay that they sell for the list price at the end or are sold in Buy it now or out of Ebay.
Let see if this continues.

I think list price is pretty much what people were paying for the first batch with some paying markups in wealthy urban areas and some elsewhere getting $200-$500 off. For the next batch, I think we'll see more discounting but not a lot. This time around, Mazda is only allowing new orders as a dealer sells what it has. Compare this to the MS6 where big inventories were allowed to build up even in the face of limited demand.

Given that the margin is about $1500, I'll bet that those who wait will see $1000 or more off from dealers where the cars aren't moving. For those deals I'd look at big urban dealers in poorer places like TX and GA. In those places the MSRP is too high for many, while those who can afford the MSRP don't want MT due to traffic jams.

 

[CHICO2003]

Prices so far from $22,500 down to $500. History tell on ebay that they sell for the list price at the end or are sold in Buy it now or out of Ebay.
Let see if this continues.

I must be missing something. Currently, there is only 1 MS3 on ebay (the silver one that was just posted). Based on my research, there have only been 2 other MS3s on ebay (ever) and neither one of them hit their reserve.

 

[Shift_Lost]

i dont care to get into what you guys are talking about......

Just thought i would Say, I put 1.5 of the 9 miles on that ms3

(glare)

alone without a salesmen to add to that(shocked)

 

[CHICO2003]

haha a new car with anything more than a "few" miles would scare me... especially a turbo. It might as well have a 'kick me' sign on the back of it... with the amount of abuse the salesmen undoubtedly gave it, not to mention guys like you. (no offense or anything) I'm just assuming that, if you were able to get a test drive without any supervision, you definitely took advantage. That dealership is clearly shady... I mean, if it was just a regular ole car then fine... I guess. But a car like this? to send someone out alone? wtf? they should be ashamed of themselves. they're probably also the type that leaves their cars unlocked at night with the keys in them. I can't tell you how many of these cars I've found throughout the years.

 

[nonopr]

Yep, you are missing your eye sight! or you have an MS3 Filter in your computer.

Just as of minute ago there are 3 on ebay, black, Cosmic Blue and Red.
Try going to Mazda, then mazda 3 and then take the year and hit it in 2007 and down.

(shocked)

I must be missing something. Currently, there is only 1 MS3 on ebay (the silver one that was just posted). Based on my research, there have only been 2 other MS3s on ebay (ever) and neither one of them hit their reserve.

 

[CHICO2003]

Hmm...that's weird. When you type in 'mazdaspeed' into the main search field and then narrow it down to 'cars and trucks' you only get the silver whereas, when you do what you just said, you get all 3. Must be an ebay glitch of some sort because all 3 of them are listed in the appropriate category and all 3 have the word 'mazdaspeed' in the title. Weird

 

[CHICO2003]

on a sidenote... that red one kicks ass! Unless I win the lotto or something... this is DEFINITELY my next car. Even the wheels have grown on me... sort of.

 

[Shift_Lost]

haha a new car with anything more than a "few" miles would scare me... especially a turbo. It might as well have a 'kick me' sign on the back of it... with the amount of abuse the salesmen undoubtedly gave it, not to mention guys like you. (no offense or anything) I'm just assuming that, if you were able to get a test drive without any supervision, you definitely took advantage. That dealership is clearly shady... I mean, if it was just a regular ole car then fine... I guess. But a car like this? to send someone out alone? wtf? they should be ashamed of themselves. they're probably also the type that leaves their cars unlocked at night with the keys in them. I can't tell you how many of these cars I've found throughout the years.

First off. I think you have a few things confused.
I have family that works For the tonkins, (that dealership) Check out www.tonkin.com to decide if they are shady. They are Oregons Biggest Auto sales chain. I work part time for the Repossesion company for they'r in house financing. I also Know where i stand and Thats why i was allowed to Drive the vehicle. When i drove the car i had fun, While being reasonable. its a new car. and with my brother inlaw being the one of the service managers Its Kind of a no Brainer. be easy with the car.

But on the same degree i Do have to agree with you on other factors.
when i test drove the MS6, i was Asked and ALMOST forced to drive the car HARD, The Salesman seen my MSP and thought i was aother abusive punk.
He took a 25mph Onramp at 75 and reapeatedly told me its IMPOSSIBLE for it to loose traction...

But no, Tonkin dealerships are Very ligit. One of the West coasts largest chain.

BUT. I would only buy a brand new vehicle from them.

 

[CHICO2003]

Clearly the exception to the rule. Though I still don't like the fact that they let you take the car out alone (even though you obviously know them well) that's not nearly as bad as letting some stranger off the street romp on it.

To me, I don't care who you are... whether you're a stranger, a friend of the family or an employee... I'm assuming, with a car like this, the worst. I mean.... who gets in a car like this and just takes it for a leisurely drive? I'll tell you who! ME, that's who! haha

I was literally the 1st (customer) to test drive the MS3 when it arrived at my local dealership back in late october. (they haven't gotten another since) But regardless... Like you, the salesman (assuming I'd buy it anyway) basically told me to romp on the car. I then preceded to lecture him on what a douche he is for saying that and just how bad that is for a new car (especially a turbo). Since I live by the golden rule (and knew I wasn't going to buy it... not with a $2k markup over sticker anyway) I figured the eventual owner wouldn't exactly appreciate me kicking his car in the nuts so I took it easy. Drove it as if it was my own... Didn't go over 3500 rpm and even let the damn thing idle for a minute afterwards. Did I get a sense of how fast the car is? Of course not! Did I NEED to? Hell no! I don't need to slam the s*** out of this car to know how fast it is... I already know it's more than fast enough for me so that's good enough. I mainly wanted to get a better feel for the interior and how well it drove. Needless to say, I was highly impressed.

I guess it's the nature of the beast really.... car sales has to be one of the worst jobs around so, naturally, they're not exactly attracting the cream of the crop. Even still, it would be nice if more of them at least showed a little respect for their cars and future customers.

... end of rant

 

[gar777]

at first, I only saw the 1 silver MS3 as well but my automated search was for 2007 "mazdaspeed". weird thing is that searching for "mazdaspeed" only yields 1 car but searching for "mazdaspeed3" yields 3 cars (red, silver and cosmic blue). searching for 2007 "mazda3" yields 5 cars, the 3 MS3s and 2 non-MS3s. I guess to fix my automated eBay search I have to use "mazdaspeed3"