Prospective MSP Buyer.

[Enkymion]

Hello. First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Cheyne, I live in North Carolina, and I have been in love with mazda ever since I saw a MX-6 for the first time. Years later, it became my first car. I was a proud owner from may 2000 to may 2003 when the engine died (175,000). I had mild engine work, laced stereo, and enkei 5+ wheels. I was 93BurgandyBomber on MX6.com

Well enough about my background, let me tell you my situation. I have been saving all summer to get a mazdaspeed protege. These are the questions I have towards buying one.

How much should I pay for one... I know the MSRP is 21,000 but can they be haggled down to 20,000 or even less?

When are the "late availability colors" blue and silver available?

Are there any other problems besides the "turbo lag" that I saw the letter written to mazda for?

Will 2000 be a decent down payment and do they have exceptional rates?

Please vote for the color I should get!

Thanks you all.

 

[jonnydoe48]

im gonna reply with black.

 

[Enkymion]

Damn man I thought that yall would help me out a lot by now... all these hits but just one reply.

 

[Shaneth]

Haggling was not an option where I bought mine. I actually went to the dealership to purchase a Mazda 6 with a sport package, but when I saw the MazdaSpeed, and saw that I could get it for $4K less, I decided to move forward. Since it's a limited production vehicle, it is highly unlikely that they'll drop the price. They'd haggle on the 6 and other vehicles, but they made it clear to me as soon as I looked at it that it wasn't an option. Moreover, they barely let me test drive it, because they wanted to keep the miles down. $2K will cover your tax, title and license, and then some. It'll be plenty for a down payment....I put down $1.2K with no problems. Blue and Silver are 2004 models, and will sell for $21,500.00 from what I'm told. I have the titanium, and there is a yellow mica at the dealership that I purchased mine from. Do they have any in stock right now?

 

[Shaneth]

I forgot to vote for the color.....I really like the titanium, because it coordinates well with the 2003.5 and 2004 wheels on the car. The car looks great no matter what color you choose, but I decided to get a more subdued color because I don't wish to draw attention with a flashy, bright color....if you know what I mean.

 

[Heathen23]

Hey Cheyne-

Welcome to the forum!

The issue isn't turbo lag it is dumping gobs of fuel at 2,500rpms and 4,500rpms resulting in drastic stumble. We have little or no turbo lag with this smaller T25.

I'm just across the way from you here in Raleigh. I bought from Al Smith Mazda. I paid under 20k with a good bit of haggling. I can't speak too much regarding service as I have only been back in a few times for minor things.

I say hold out for the Blue for several reasons. It will allow you to save more for the down payment and let mazda potentially work on a few of the outstanding issues (clunk and stumble). Oh, most importantly the blue will look to good to not get!

If you have any troubles with your dealer letting you test-drive or go for a ride just drop me a PM.

 

[ZMN BY U]

oK HERE YOU GO I WORK IN THE CAR BUSINESS IN VIRGINIA. i KNOW PEOPLE AT A MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME NO HASSLE WITH THE PRICE IT JUST ISNT GOING TO HAPPEN SO FOR GET IT. tHEY DIDNT MAKE VERY MANY OF THESE CARS AND THEY ARE SO HOT AND HARD TO FIND THE DEALERSHIPS PAY ALOT OF MONEY TO GET THESE CARS. SO THIS MEANS THEY WILL NOT LET YOU HAVE IT FOR LESS THAN STICKER SO ITS GOING TO BE20,000.
bUT IF YOU PUT SOME MONEY DOWN LIKE 2000 AND YOU HAVE GOOD CREDIT THEN YOU WILL GET AROUND 6%. I HAVE 5% INTEREST RATE. AND MY PAYMENT IS 420.00 fOR EVERY THOUSAND ITS 20 DOLLARS IN PAYMENT SO IF YOU FINANCE 20,000 THATS 400 A MONTH.
aNY QUESTIONS IM ME AT TROYBRAVESFAN@AOL.COM

 

[Dexter]

stop the yelling, eh?

 

[AGR]

Welcome to the Forum!!!

I voted the (Gray) Titanium. Mine is Black Mica, and it is beautiful. But; with the new colors coming available, the Titanium is very nice; and I think that Blue will be awesome, as well.

I am mad about the care of my Mazdas. My wife has a Silver Protege ES. When it comes to detailing, her's is a breeze. Mine is work! Is it worth it? Yes! Because; when I am done my MAZDASPEED is gorgeous - as is her ES. But; it took alot less work.

If you are going to be totally dedicated to the upkeep; Get Black Mica. But; if you are one those people that would just a soon drive through a car wash, and not spend time keeping it 'glittering' - don't buy Black Mica.

If you lined all the colors up that have been available for the MAZDASPEEDs, and they were all detailed to perfection; I don't think there would be any doubt the Black Mica would get majority vote.

But; in the end; it's personal choice. (thumb)

 

[imprezu]

I chose the yellow cause that's my personality. I love the gold flake in the paint, it's very cool when the light shines on it. Plus everyone has a blue or a black car. Spicy Orange or Yellow are going to be my 2 choices for you.

 

[Enkymion]

To be honest, I am leaning towards the titanium. I wanted yellow at first but I have been talked out of it today. I didnt think the orange was that cool until I saw one today at a gas station. It was sharp but I dont want to be a target for cops. I'm 19 and I have already had too many tickets... (2).

Do the 2003.5 have the same clunk and stumble problems or is it just the 2003?

When does the blue and light gray drop? Is that the same blue as the mp3?

Any other tips on how to make this more feasible for a 19 year old college student?

One more question, should I just be happy with a 2000 downpayment and be comfortable or streach it to 3000?

 

[Heathen23]

I disagree with the yelling guy but that may just be a regional issue in VA. I would recommend using your downpayment size as leverage. It plays a big role in the bottom line for dealer. They will always want more cash now than later and I'm confident if you do your homework, find the right dealer, and have stout resolve you can eventually get a good deal.

As far as the clunk and stumble it's the same suspension and fuel mapping so they are the same for all makes.

Titanium and Yellow have dropped but maybe not at a dealer near you. I believe there are 2003.5 in Cary and I haven't had a chance to check Raleigh yet.

The silver/gray and blue according to some have been released and many are sitting at the docks waiting for dealers to buy them.

 

[jonnydoe48]

haggling is easy..

i got them down to invoice on the phone, 18013 at the dealership. that is 20100 out the door. whoever says haggling isnt possible..no.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

if you find a Black Mica one still sitting on the lot from 03 instead of an 03.5, you could haggle them down. the dealer in this area was going to sell one of thier black micas (had four) and their last orange one for 18,000 a piece!!!

 

[Enkymion]

I forgot to mention... I have a SVX at my disposal. Do you all think that I should keep the SVX or use it as a trade-in?

Oh how I miss my MX-6 V6 LS... I'll never forget her.

 

[Shaneth]

My background is in the lending industry, from unsecured lending to mortgage and commercial lending, and I have to tell you that the old school thinking that cash somehow provides a strong haggling position no longer exists. Dealerships make loads of money off from their financing and add-ons, like gap insurance, life/disability insurance, service plans, and so on. A dealership would much rather see a person finance a vehicle rather than pay cash. The cash helps out in getting your payments where you want them to be and it helps if your trying to establish credit or your credit isn't up to par. There is a psychological impact that cash has, because it gives the buyer more confidence when negotiating.

It seems as though some members have had success at haggling the price on their new MSP. Supply and Demand is a huge factor in the automotive industry. If a dealer is having difficulty moving a particular vehicle, then the dealership will be far more likely to negotiate pricing. If the car is of great demand however, it is not unusual for the dealer to get prices that even exceed the MSRP. In Michigan, there is only one MazdaSpeed dealership in Southwest Michigan. The next closest dealership is approx. 50 miles away. They have absolutely no problems moving the Speed at that particular dealer. If you're in an area where the dealership sits on the vehicle for a long time, then the dealer will haggle just to get the car off from their hands. That must be the case in Bay Area, CA...of course they're selling 2003 models and our dealership hasn't had those in stock for several months. So, if your dealership still has some 2003 models in stock, there is a very good chance that you can haggle on the price. The '04 models are being released shortly, which means that they will be 2 model years beyond the original Black Mica and Orange Spice '03 model year. In any case, give small bits of information to the sales person...just enough to let him or her know that you're a serious customer. Don't let them know what kind of down payment you have or what you're using for a trade in (SVX) until you have agreed on a price. If they ask you how you'll be paying for the vehicle, tell them that you're contemplating that right now, but if you're ready to make a decision you'll have it figured out. This will force the sales person to give you a price on the vehicle without knowing whether or not there's a way for them to make more money in the finance cycle. Sometimes they get a little bit unsettled by this approach, but you'll have to take it in stride and ask for a different sales person if it becomes hostile.....LOL.

 

[Enkymion]

Well how long is it before the '04s come out? Are the differences/updates being released yet? So you all think I should dispose of the SVX?

 

[skilletrx]

haggle

hey, start on friday, finish sunday... the longer you hold out, the more chances u'll get it for 20000..possibly VERY high 19s

TL ..as far as colour, whatever u like.. i personally like my spicy orange aka "Nemo" =)

 

[Enkymion]

Nemo... hahaha thats hot. I'll give you that. Do you all think I should keep the SVX though?

 

[ZMN BY U]

Thats not true im in the car business they do not have to sell this car for under invoice they will make money off another buyer who will pay sticker MSRP your best bet is to get close to invoice which is around 19,400 i know i saw it the salesman showed me it i know him so i was out the door at 20,000 Belive me when i saw they will not give it to you at invoice there is no mark up in the car and besides the dealerships pay alot of money for these cars they are rare cars. They will not take a loss on them!!!! jst remember if you want the car you will pay for itthe only thing i can say is ask for the invoice and give them 500 over invoice thats a good deal. They get something called hold back wich is between 200 and 600 dollars right off the top you dont see it. So ask to see invoice and give them 500 over invoice dont get gap coverage either or extended warrenty thats how the finance people make thier money they will push you to buy it.