mnkyboy

SMARTASS!

rob2lehigh

I just bought a laser blue protege5: leather, sunroof-CD, ABS packages and wheel locks. I took delivery on Friday for $17,698 + tax, title and license ($200 over invoice, USD), not including graduate discount and 0% apr for five years. So far I love the car, it is a blast to drive.

Thanks to everyone who participates in this forum, as I was able to easily identify what the problems/issues could be with the car before I bought it -- and see that there are a large number of people out there who are happily enjoying their Mazda's. I'll try to keep up with the high quality of posts you guys have put up.

It's okay, though, I don't need a Sir Nuke welcome to the forum .

PS -- I also don't use CAPS unless I intend to YELL AT SOMEONE.

mnkyboy

Thanks

mnkyboy

That isnt just a "rule" on this board, its netiquette. Like I said read up, and you wont get flamed on other boards/forums/sites. Just an FYI.

UCSDTriton

MSRP for my '03 Laser Blue P5 (Stick, Leather, MRoof/6CD, ABS/SideAirBags, CargoTray, WheelLocks, PolishedWheels) was $19,350, I paid $18,388 + T, T & L at 4.9%. I got an OK deal, but compared to "rob2lehigh" and "jstand6," I paid too much, you guys should be psyched, you guys got great deals! The only thing I went on to try to get a fair price was Edmund's TMV (True Market Value), and I beat that by over a $100 bucks, so at the time I figured we got a good deal.

But, at least I got exactly what I wanted, and when I wanted it (late November)! To make a long story short, I needed the car that night, and did not even know what was at the closest dealer, Don Kott, (we were in LA, so going to John Hine in San Diego our local dealer was out of the question). When we saw our LaserBlue (favorite color), Leather, 5-speed baby sitting on the showroom floor, the last one we saw after looking at every single one on the lot, I was absolutely ecstatic!, all 20 or so of the other P5's were either the wrong color, or the wrong transmission, or didn't have leather, etc. It was fate!

I've read others say they got a great deal, but they "settled" for another color (or something they didn't exactly need or want) because that is what the dealer had and was willing to deal on. I guess getting exactly what you want without having to wait weeks or even months for your ordered P5 is worth a few dollars.

PS - Hey, "jstand6" if you see a LaserBlue P5 cruising around San Diego, it's not a mirror, probably just me! Oh, when I saw prices at John Hine after I bought mine, I practically freaked out, but you know, he didn't have any in leather, oh well, if I had the time, I guess I could have ordered one...

Later

jas9297

I got a 2002.5 silver, 5 speed, ABS/Side airbags, moonroof, floor mats for $16,198, out-the-door with 6% tag and title/registration for $17,333. This was an S-Plan price, so no haggling and no "processing fee."

It too was exactly what I wanted, although I wish I had tried leather. The price for leather was right, though I worry about durability, sliding, and cold seats! I still think I would have gone with cloth. The above configuration was popular at my dealer -- he had it in several colors but I loved the silver.

BTW, 2003s come standard with floor mats. And the 4-year warranty, grrr!

rob2lehigh

I came into the dealer with the Edmunds, NADA and KBB invoice prices (all the same), told them the color and options I wanted, and told them I'd go buy a WRX if they didn't meet the price I offered for the car. It helped that I wanted one without leather. I got them to knock another $200 off invoice because the one I got had leather (not that I'm complaining).

Of course, I really didn't want to walk out, since I bought this car after smashing up my old car on Thanksgiving. Too bad none of the dealers in my area had a laser blue mazda with a manual tranny. It took the dealer a week and a half or so to get the car in, because the only one they had was at port, so I did have to make it another week without a car (no rental insurance on my old car, either, so I was SOL).

What I want to know is: why was the port in NJ (this is what they told me, anyway)? The car was made in Japan... Do they ship the east coast ones through the Panama Canal or something? I'm assuming 'port' means boat. Anyone with closer Mazda/dealer ties care to comment? Did they just get it from another dealer?

90210brandon

I paid $21,100CAD. I got a silver P5 with a moonroof and a service manual, wheel locks, blockheater, floor mats, a couple of hats, stickers, and a couple of thermal mugs. I believe it's alright. I'm happy.

poktrokt

They bring them through the canal. I've done a few boardings on those things in both the new york area and carribbean. The boats they come over on are called ro-ro's BIG, HUGE freaking boats! Have tons of cars parked al along inside of them.

Later