Rhawb

Yeesh, I'd absolutely love to take a True Red MS3 off of some dealership's hands, but none of them seem interested in making a sale. Everyone is holding at MSRP firm - I won't tell them this, but ideally I'd like to buy within the next couple days if anyone will come off their "full boat" horse. If not, it'll be a little bit harder for me, but I can wait until mid June. Here's to hoping some dealership realizes they've got a sure sale if they drop a grand or so off the MSRP.

KevinsProtege5

I could have gotten a new speed3, basically with no options, with 19 miles for $21,600. The dealer wouldnt tell me how long its been there

Roddimus Prime

you wanna know why?? because that gives you another angle to haggle with them over.

Mazdas are great cars for what they are....but they are NOT popular unless it's a miata or RX7.

Jackelope

dont sound too bad of a price? sticker here is $25,000 (red one)

traveler027

I bought a Speed3 couple weeks ago & I am absolutely in love with the car. The powerband is pretty narrow, but between 2500 to 5500 rpm, this car rocks. For a stock front wheel drive car, the handling is pretty neutral. I enjoy driving it almost as much as I do my RX8. The Speed3 suspension feels too soft at limit, but comfortable as a daily driver.

elh0102

Basically my opinion too. My first front-driver in 20 years, so it's different, but light years ahead of the old ones. Yes, the turbo programming is conservative, but the gearing is sufficient to keep it on power. The front suspension is definitely soft, and under-damped. That's obvious from slowly crossing a parking lot speed bump. But the balance is relatively neutral, and I'm not sure what the total result would be from getting it much stiffer in front; maybe not all good. My gut feeling is, the same spring rates (or a bit higher), stiffer front strut damping, about an inch lower and with bigger bars, and the car would feel more secure in near-limit cornering, with very little compromise in ride quality. But it's a daily driver for me, and I expect I will leave it alone. It really offers a lot of convenience and peformance, without attracting attention. Good car.

Rhawb

Well, one dealership is finally getting close here. Here's to hoping they don't screw it up with some crazy dealer fees or something. I wants me an MS3, but not enough to pay anywhere near MSRP - with or without dealer fees.

Oh and I, too, was surprised that I enjoyed driving an FWD car as much as I did with the MS3. I had sworn off front wheel drive cars after getting my 8, but the MS3 really surprised me and handled with very little understeer. I actually think this is the one car on the market that wouldn't make me think longingly about my old RX8 every time I got in it.

Rhawb

SOLD!

True Red totally base, sport MS3.

Roddimus Prime

congrats, now I expect to see pics and I also expect to see you sign up for our camping trip in June. You'd have the only MS3 so you need to show.

Rhawb

Camping? Trip? June? Where? When? Linky?

Pics should be coming Tuesdayish - need to get back to my great photo op spot in Orlando.

Jackelope

https://www.mazda3club.com/southeastern-us-30/mt-cheaha-weekender-festivus-2007-a-43929/

RotaryXperiment7

awsome!! how much you got it for?
They gave me some stupid price of $530 a month with $3,000 down for 72 months and i walked out. they wouldnt drop NOTHING off the price. maybe in a couple months i can get lower monthly payments?

Roddimus Prime

dont ever buy a car based on the monthly payment... ALWAYS negotiate the price of your trade.... THEN negotiate the price of the car you're buying... THEN negotiate your interest rate (or provide your own financing).

If after all of that you can't afford the payment on the car then you don't buy the car.

don't ever buy a Mazdaspeed vehicle and pay sticker for it. I wouldn't pay a penny over invoice and I consider invoice a FAIR price. I'm not asking for anything more than FAIR.

A $25,000 car @ invoice gives the selling dealership about $1,000 in holdback cash. $100 to the salesman for filling out the paperwork and $900 to the dealership so they can get richer.

RotaryXperiment7

i didnt know u can negotiate the interest too ha. mines was like 12% OUCH!
Do they have lease programs for this cars? what kind of insurance u guys paying?
i was putting down cash. Now Wayne Mazda from NJ keeps telling me to go down because he says he canget me a better price.

Rhawb

Heh, can't make the camp out. I'm still on my probationary period for my new job, so days off are a no-no. I might try and make another event or some meets one of these days, though.