Need opinions on 2012 Mazda3 Hatch
 

Hello,

I'm interested in getting the new 2012 Mazda 3 5-door and wanted some opinions.

Below is the build I made through the Mazda website. For such build, what would be a good price to offer the dealer?

In terms of storage, with the rear seats folded down, does the back fit a large mountain bike with the front wheel removed?

My 2012 MAZDA3 i Touring 5-Door MSRP $ 19,800

Destination Fee $ 795
155-hp 2.0L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder Standard
Front-Wheel Drive Standard
6-Speed Auto Standard
Exterior: LIQUID SILVER METALLIC
Interior: BLACK CLOTH

Packages and Options
FOG LIGHTS $350

Total MSRP: $20,945*

Hello-

I'm new as well but I just purchased a 2012 3. I was bouncing back and forth between the Speed and the S Grand Touring and in the end full leather and a moonroof won over the speed of the Speed.

Anyhow, I paid just a smudge over invoice for mine at around 22,000. It was the 5 door hatch in the S Grand Touring trim with a manual 6 speed with a few other bells and whistles but not a tech package.

As for a mountain bike, I used to ride a Santa Cruz Heckler which is a pretty beefy bike. Even with the front tire removed it will be a fairly tight fit as the back of the car seems kinda narrow.

R

I bought a 5-door 3 last week, exceedingly happy with it.

Here's what I would do:
1. Don't get fog lights (you can always get them installed later by the dealer IF you MUST have them)
2. Go to truecar.com and find out what the invoice price is on the car
3. Try to get the dealer down as close to that price as you can
4. Play local dealers off of one another to get the best price possible
5. Finally, keep your cards close to your vest, don't reveal anything during the negotiation process that weakens your position

I love biking and will look to get a bike-specific roof rack ($170 from Mazda, maybe cheaper if you get a third-party manufacturer). I'm worried about getting mud and grease on the inside of my car.

Good luck!

I bought the four-door i touring automatic model over the weekend, it included the bose and moonroof upgrade. The dealer was definitely willing to work on price. MSRP was $21,450. I paid $18,750 after loyalty rebate (pre-tax, trade, fees). It helped make up for the fact that Cook County taxes are so insane.

Matt