Need some feedback on this one....

[dficken]

OK,
Here is the scoop. I am planning on purchasing a P5. I was set on getting a silver one with the new auto (2002.5), moonroof, abs/side airbags. Unfortunately the dealers in my area cannot find a 2002.5 with these options. So I can either wait for 2003 and get "exactly" what i want or get what the dealer has.

The only thing that would push me to getting a 2002.5 is the 0% financing for 60 months. Hard to beat. But If I decide to do that, I may have to settle for the "non" ABS option and possibly have the moonroof installed by the dealer.

So My question is... do you think the ABS and side airbag option is "very" important? All of my previous cars have not had ABS. I understand how it works, I am just curious what other people think of it. Oh and BTW, I just found out today that I am going to be a Dad. So saftey will be a growing concern for me. The delima I have is if the side air bags are not a good thing even if the child seat is in the back. I imagine the positives out weigh the negatives with the ABS thing.

Also, what do you guys think about a factory installed sunroof compared to a dealer installed one? I know back in the 80's and 90's dealer installed ones would end up leaking years down the road. I am curious if you guys think it is still the same way or not. My guess is the factory installed one will be more reliable and less likely to leak. Just a guess.

Last, I was curious if they offered special financing when the 2002 P5's first came out. If they did, then they will probably do teh same with the 2003's. If I can get a 2.9% rate on a 2003 I will probably wait. But if you guys didn't notice any special offers until the model was out for quite some time, I may get the 2002.5.

Well... I would appreciate any feedback you can offer.

Thanks for your time.
dficken.

 

[cjstringer]

Multiple questions, I'll see what I can help with.
First off, I have no idea how old you are or where you live, but if you are a decent and EXPERIENCED driver, ABS is a waste of money. I've had it, and disable it on my last 2 cars.
The interest rate you get is all about your credit. The 0% is nice, but if it's not what you want, you're still getting what you don't want. I'd rather pay for something I like than settle and be pissed when I think of what I could have had.
The sun/moonroof thing, I still think the factory options are the best. Aftermarkets are supposed to be much better, but I still like the "best" more than "better".
Have you considered finding a used one? Save the instant depreciation that occurs the second you drive it off the lot and save a beautiful P5 from the hands of an undeserving fool that might just trash it. Let them lose their money on depreciation. (Not meant to knock those that buy new, I did it too)
Manufacturers will be running 0% for a long time. The market and economy are so bad, and probably will be for a couple more years, they'll do anything to sell cars. Remember that and use it to keep you patient if you want a new one.
Also, don't pay more than MSRP. I don't care what line of BS they feed you. If they want to charge you more, tell them to piss off and walk out the door. They'll come chase you down and after a while, they'll give in. (I spent 4 1/2 hours and saved over $5000 off of what they had on the sticker. Worth every minute.)
Good luck, and I hope these opinions aid in your decision on a 'pertiful' car.

('pertiful'= redneck beautiful)

 

[Equinox]

if I was you I would just travel a little farther, call around, see if any other Mazda dealers has those things.