Some updates, I have three offers for a CX5 signature.
1. MRSP $39,300. Costco price 37,400 (4.8% discount). Plus $400 "theft deterrent fee", $150 doc fee, $507 title and license, $4046 tax. OTD $42,500. The salesman claims that all dealerships have this theft deterrent fee, they just aren't up front about it. Lectured me about the chip shortage and how they can't "give away" cars. Red flags everywhere. Pass for me. This was Dougs Lynwood Mazda.
2. MRSP $39,700. Costco price + discounts $36,760 (7.4% discount). Plus $150 doc fee, $640 in license and title, and $3900 in taxes. The OTD price was $41,480 and they knocked off a little more somewhere in the deal for final OTD $41,000.
3. MRSP $38,680. No costco discounts. I do not have a break down but they said they would do OTD $40,000 which was my first offer and sent me the link to the vehicle.
I'm torn. Although I need a car in the next 2-3 months, I can wait. It's hard for me to justify paying the extra few thousand just because of the current car market. I would consider option 3. What do you think? I haven't seen too many Signatures posted on here within the past few months, although they were mostly in the same ballpark as me minus one person in Georgia who got one for $34800 after discounts.
Update and unfortunately a bad one.
I had negotiated via email a total out the door price of $40,000 with Walkers Renton Mazda in Renton WA. I confirmed twice via email on the price to ensure I didn't waste my time going to the dealership. Well, it turns out they wouldn't honor the price at the dealership. I had to deal with a different sales person who insisted that the other sales person did not agree to my price. My last email said "Just to confirm, I will be getting a 2021 CX5 signature with floor mats, roof rack, and cargo cover for $40,000 out the door including all taxes and fees". The salesperson responded with "yes". Apparently because they did not say "yes, I agree to $40,000" that the email meant nothing.
It was an awful experience. There was a woman trying to buy a CX30 beside me who ended up storming out upset. I only heard parts of the conversation but two young salesmen were trying to get her to buy a demo with a few thousands miles for MRSP. She was smart enough to deny the offer multiple times. I don't know if it was the age difference (she was in her 50-60s) but their tone was condescending as if she knew nothing. Multiple sarcastic unprofessional comments to her. At one point the two salesmen walked around the corner away from her but right beside me and started saying awful things about her.
So yeah, avoid Walkers Renton Mazda as they aren't honest and apparently unprofessional as well. I emailed Mazda USA although I imagine nothing will come of it. I won't be buying a CX5 despite loving the car. I was cross shopping the X3 and XC60, which I know is odd but I've had good experiences with BMW. I was hoping to change it up and get a CX5. Unfortunately, there were no deals near me and after dealing with 5 dealerships, my experiences were not great. It was not meant to be. However I'm happy for those of you who bought one at a reasonable price.