Best Deal on Cars (MAZDA 3 in Particular)

[Deactivated] on 25/10/2009 - 22:55

I have never bought a car. I am looking for a new one (medium size) for my mum. I was surprised to see that there are many forums or websites which could guide to finding best prices on cars. Most of forum and website are more about the cars themselves. Just seeing how our ozbargain community buys the car. Could you guys direct me where I can find more info on car pricing. also just curious what price did you pay especially if you have a mazda 3. I went to dealers and found it pretty annoying how they work. In essence it seems like they wont reduce quoted price but instead give you extras like metallic paint, etc. So, you think you getting a better deal but in reality those extra's are way overpriced anyways. Personally, I would take a cheaper price than extras.

Price i got for automatic was $27,500 for mazda 3 automatic neo.

Automotive

Comments

  • Legolasi on 26/10/2009 - 13:48

    I reckon you gotta haggle like no tomorrow. you are up against car dealers, one of if not the most ruthless sales in price negotiation! After giving excuses, my local dealer gave me a final price of $26k + added extras. but I end up getting a peugeot 308 last month.

  • Davo1111 on 27/10/2009 - 09:23
    +1

    just walk into the store, point at car, and say "ill give u 25k today for it", if no, then turn around. if yes, then make sale. hold firm, dont budge. profit.

    If that doesnt work hold a sharp object over the paintwork until you get the price you want ;)

  • discostu on 28/10/2009 - 21:23

    HAHAHA Davo you're funny. Goblin, if you don't feel comfortable haggling get a friend to join you, some moral support or even better a friend who is good at haggling himself. If you're a girl, DEFINITELY get a guy to do it for you, car dealers assume females don't know anything and rip you like no tomorrow. Play hardball, they get commission so they'll always try to get as many dollars out of you as possible

    • voter1 on 07/04/2010 - 15:09

      Im not 100% sold on getting a guy to do it - just that if you're a girl - be prepared to strap on a wonderbra a flirt like crazy!

  • dontask on 29/10/2009 - 14:10
    +1

    Wow… that seems like a rip off.. that sounds like the maximum price you could ever pay for that spec'd mazda (including driveaway). see here:
    http://www.discountnewcars.com.au/mazda/mazda-3-bl-series-1-…

    Tips: 1) be flexible on colour, preferably a car in stock
    2) get a feel for a good price. do that by going to a dealer and then lowballing - eg: 23k driveaway. see what they come back with and go up a little.
    3) be prepared to walk to different dealers. there are a lot of mazda dealers. play off the two best dealers who are willing to negotiate.
    4) make sure you seem serious about buying a car. I've bought about 10 cars new for various friends/family members. I always walk in with the model I want (and transmission), and say "I've got $500 cash for a deposit today if we can do a deal". Don't dawdle and they know you mean business. Don't haggle after your test drive.
    5) don't bother with the trade in. sell it privately if you have one.
    6) just before you clinch the deal, always ask for the full tank of gas. dealers wont give you a full tank otherwise.

    • Blugok on 03/12/2009 - 22:45
      +1

      hi dontask,
      can you explain what you meant by "don't haggle after your test drive"?
      normally, car sales will get me to have a test drive then they brought me in to talk about $$$

      thanks

  • hmbush on 07/11/2009 - 22:18

    I am also looking at purchasing a Mazda3, but will wait till early next year as the import tax will drop from 10% to 5%, and there's normally special deals around and after the Xmas period.

    Also, the Federal Govt's 50% investment allowance ends on 31st Dec 2009, which I hope will make dealers more willing to negotiate with lower demand.

    I have checked out two dealers in Sydney last week. I got the impression that the car can be bought for low to mid $24k.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/11/2009 - 22:28

    thanks for that. I was very useful. Also, for your interest we have a look at Honda Civic which is a similar type of car. Eventhough I am researching I found that dealer was willing to sell me that one $25K for 2009 VTI. Quoted brand new was 29500 and then they have dropped 3 grands due to end of year stock to 27000. So, we was willing to give me $25K. I am pretty sure thats what everyone pays for it anyways. I reckon that price still has a bit of room to move.

  • AntMan76 on 08/11/2009 - 00:43

    Ok so firstly $27,500 for a neo auto sounds like a rip. Mazda do make good cars though. Had a couple of late models.

    As for tips for getting the best price. Have a few other models to use as a comparison when talking to the salesperson. Don't fall for the "Wow I'm not sure the manager will do that price but I will see what he says". It's just a ploy. Be prepared to walk away and leave them your details should they change their mind and decide to negotiate. Don't fall for the tint/paint/fabric protection. Tint is great but the price their charge is overpriced. As is the rest. Paint protection can be useful but if you do actually wax/polish every now and then, then the paint protection may be a waste. Just depends how likely you are to wax/polish your car. Either way, go at least half the price they quote you for those extras as a starting point if you do want them. Paying extra for metallic paint is BS. The extra cost for metallic is in the tens of dollars if that. These are cars on a production line. They aren't painting it just for you.

    General tips as per a dealer principal I know. Dealerships are more likely to drop the price late in the day, usually on a saturday believe it or not. It's their biggest day and towards the end of it, they may need to make sales (they have a 'number of vehicles' target per month to make). This leads us to the end of the month. Great time to buy for the reasons just stated. They have a target and they may be under pressure from the dealer principal to get some sales.

    I hope this information is of some help.

  • StewBalls on 08/11/2009 - 01:42

    My tip, buy yourselves a good used one and save up to $10k! :)

    I've only ever bought one new car, I rank it up there with some of the dumbest things I've ever done, they lose thousands just as you drive them off the showroom floor! A clever, rich, mate warned me against doing it but I got caught up in the hype and paid a hefty premium for it! :(

    I now buy cars between 1-3 years old with balance of new car warranty and low kms, and depending on the model and place of purchase (some at auction, most private though), at a saving of anywhere from 25-50%! Just my 2c worth! ;)

  • hmbush on 08/11/2009 - 22:08

    Hi Goblin5566,

    Coincidentally, I own a Honda Civic, bought it about 2 years ago for $24,100.
    It is a very good car. I am very happy with it, and would recommend it. I got
    it from Hornsby Honda - they had the best deal then.

    I saw the Civic VTi manual/auto advertised on a paper yesterday for $23,500 and $26,290
    respectively, both drive away prices. It was advertised by Collins Honda in
    Rockdale: 339 princess Highway 9599-4888. If you are interested in the Civic,
    you might want to give Hornsby Honda a call if you are in Sydney.

    I am planning to get the Mazda3 as 2nd car - like the look of it. Someone in
    the ozmazdaclub forum purchased the car for $24k, so hope to get it less next
    year.

    Are there any other forums that discuss new car prices? I found it very hard to
    bargain with the car dealers.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/11/2009 - 22:22

    thanks for the tips. This is the first time I am buying a car. I must say I was pretty surprised to see how hard it is to find price information. There aren't any active forums as such either which discuss how much people have paid. All you get an idea of is the asking price (even for used cars). So, it is very hard to determine what should the fair price be. It was funny when AntMan76 mentions about the dealers using the manager excuse:
    “Wow I’m not sure the manager will do that price but I will see what he says”

    The sales agent we saw did you the above trick with us on both the occasions we went to see him. Essentially, he wanted us to buy the car right then and there eventhough I am currently looking around and initially trying to work out what car to get.
    So, we have pretty much decided on the Honda Civic. Based on your response it does seem to be that $24 is probably the best price I can get. So, I am ideally trying to find a ex demo or from private seller for 20,000K where the car still have atleast 3 years warranty left.

  • hmbush on 08/11/2009 - 22:42

    I share your sentinment about the difficulty with getting a good deal on new car, esp the popular ones like Civic and Mazda3.

    Don't forget to factor in the transfer fee (4%+) if you do decide to purchase 2nd hand. I found both cars hold their values pretty well; the difference may be marginal.

    I am not sure if you can still get the CIVIC auto now for $24k driveaway as that was the price I paid 2 years ago.

    Please do report back here if you do decide to purchase a new one and let us know what you paid for. I might change my mind and go with 2 Honda Civics :-).

  • [Deactivated] on 09/11/2009 - 00:02

    I will definately let you know. We intend to buy the car in early next year. I am pretty confident that I should be able to get 24K around that time given the fact that the dealer was offering me $25K without me making putting any prices out. I have got the feeling that I might end up buying the new car as it seems its only gonna be a difference in couple of grand in terms of what I could buy it for brand new. I would definately buy it brand new if I get it for 24K appose to a second hand for $20K + 4% fee. Thanks again.

  • John on 09/11/2009 - 14:43

    If you're in WA a friend of mine is selling for $17000ono.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/11/2009 - 15:19

    Sadly, I am based in NSW.

  • slowmo on 04/12/2009 - 19:56

    have you considered getting from a fleet? it's not first hand, but it's still a cheap car… end of the day, its still a car. :) unless you are into the GTIs, EVOs or TTs… no point getting a brand new and have it covered with the occasional dust storm. :P

    just my opinion though, but if you have moola and patience to spare, why not shop around first?

  • swimmingtoad on 04/12/2009 - 20:44

    If you buy closer to the end of the month, they are normally willing to haggle more, as they try to make up their remaining budgets quickly..

  • browser on 04/12/2009 - 22:02

    Though not always truth, but generally the best deal is from your local dealer, so visit them last once you have some idea about what's a reasonable deal.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/12/2009 - 07:45

    Yep. Finally bought the honda civic last week. Had issues with some dealers but finally found a really good dealer who did a price match and suprisingly really nice. I paid $24,500 with mettalic paint and extended warranty (this was a special end of year promo from Honda anyways). The dealer threw in Luggage Tray and Matts as well. I am pretty satisfied.

    • POWERevolution on 18/12/2009 - 01:28

      Is this auto or manual? If auto then good deal.

  • bargs12 on 17/12/2009 - 15:30

    I use these sites http://www.discountnewcars.com.au and www.redbook.com.au/ as a guide.

  • hmbush on 18/12/2009 - 01:19

    Hi Goblin5566, congrats on your car purchase, and for sharing the price.. just in time for Xmas!

    Hi Bargs12, the discountnewcars site shows the max driveaway price. Do you know if this is the likely final price, or can the actual price be negotiated further down?

    • POWERevolution on 18/12/2009 - 01:27

      I did once via http://www.discountnewcars.com.au and the dealer ring me back with discount price.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2009 - 09:03

      Well, I am assuming the max discount price on the website is for a a manual which is also listed on the actually honda website (http://offers.honda.com.au/offers_detail.aspx?view=24&model=…).

      I paid 24,500 for a automatic (which is usually around couple of thousand more than the manual).
      When buying a new car I was frustrated to see the lack of transparency in the pricing.
      Best way is sort of get an idea from friend on how much they actually paid for same car. In this case my mate fried 24,400 for a Mazda 3. Civic was in similar price range. I found ozhonda forum very useful where people submitted the prices for their car on one of the thread.I am sure that will be a forum for Mazda as well.
      So, i went to a dealer asking for bigger difference (i.e. 24,000 plus extended warranty + mettalic paint). I knew it would be hard to get what I wanted but it wasn't ridiculously unreasonable. This is because when I was test driving the car first couple of dealers straight away offered 25,000. So, that gave an idea on what everyone is willing to sell without negotiating.

      However, atleast while negotiating with the first dealer I got a really good idea on how far I was from achiving the best price. Then when to the third dealer who offered my 24,500 (honda for end of year special themselves threw in extended warrarnty and metallic paint). So, this was quiet resonabe to me.
      I told him upfront that I dont car about $100 or $200 discount. I rather pay that to the previous guy (All of them when they price match offer you a hundred or two hundred less which is a joke

      So, as a final try I called another dealer to see if they can match it. Initially he said for 24,000 but pulled the whole ask my manager trick and after few back and worth finally offered my 24,380 + full tank + Matts. I was pissed off as he pushed me around and told him that I would rather pay extra few hundred dollars with a better dealer. So, went back to the one who offered me 24,500. Told him what was best offer I got and they happily match it (gave me couple of extras).
      So, it is also important to be dealing with the right people. So, after lot of negotiating I found that what paid was within few hundred dollar margin. Which is ok considering its less than 1%. Rather pay that for service.

      So, thing to remember is that there are heaps of Honda and MAzda dealers around. You don't have to go to many to get an idea (we went to 4 in total) and basically get them to beat others price. Don't get pressured as the dealers want you to commit to buying the price on the same day. Go to the furthest dealer first as you want to just get the best price idea.

      Most of the stuff on this page is actually true: (http://www.carbroker.com.au/car-dealer-tricks-tactics-scams.…)

      Hope this helps

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2009 - 09:12

    To summarize, I paid $500 less with couple of extras (worth $400 to Honda) from what every dealer in town is offering (everyone was offering $25,000 as their best price which is already $2,000 than advertised price from Honda). So this is not too much but at least I knew I didn't get ripped off and pretty close to the best available price.
    December definitely good price as the car manufacturers throw in extra stuff like metallic paint and extended warranty.

  • hmbush on 20/12/2009 - 18:57

    Hi Goblin5566, it sounds like you have done your homework and got a good buy out of it. Enjoy the Honda - I am still very happy with my Honda.

  • hmbush on 23/12/2009 - 21:44

    I've purchased the Mazda 3 Neo Auto Sedan for $23,649 drive away.

    The price includes tinted windows.

    I spoke to a few dealers – all could offer the car for around $24k. Bought it from the one who went the extra mile :-).

    Hope it provides a data point for those interested in getting the car to take advantage of the end of year discount (I suspect the special will most likely will be extended to Jan 2010).

    • POWERevolution on 23/12/2009 - 23:38

      That's a cracking deal…When did you get it?
      Did it come with 1 yr rego?

  • [Deactivated] on 23/12/2009 - 23:21

    Thats a good deal. Thanks a lot for the info.

  • hmbush on 24/12/2009 - 00:59

    I just bought the car brand new, at drive away price, so it should come with one-year rego.

  • hmbush on 25/12/2009 - 08:23

    I should qualify that I have not taken delivery of the car yet - the dealer said that the car will be available in Jan 2010 with Dec 2009 manufacture date.

    PS: Merry Christmas to all!

  • stanas on 26/12/2009 - 07:26

    My only suggestion is make sure you check the manufacture date of the car before you part with your money - this will be under the hood. If you were told it was a certain date then check it first, also don't get confused with their plate - they often add their own on (maybe when they get it into oz or the dealership) - and it normally differs from the manufactured date. Another poor test for this is the car rego year (on the sticker) should match the year of manufacture - not too helpful for a end of year model which should be 09 anyway.
    I remember when I last bought a new car I had to see one final person before I could pick it up, which I found confusing at the time as I had just paid the money. All I can say was she was HOT - very short skirt, well developed. Basically it was one final pitch to sell me extras, like paint protection etc.. She had also put her engagement ring on her right hand so she was "available". I wonder how many signed up for more.

  • hmbush on 26/12/2009 - 14:03

    Thanks for the advice. I will check the date before paying the balance.

    They did have a lady trying to sell me the other extras like the paint protection etc but I did not go for any of them.

  • troyww on 28/12/2009 - 11:03

    We haggled a deal with 12 months rego on the car we bought new . 2 monthe later we got a letter drom the transport department saying our rego was due . The sneaky bastards had only rego'd it for 3 months . I went back had a big argument with them and they agreeed to pay for another 6 months . They won I guess but it pays to check everything and never trust a car salesman .

  • hmbush on 28/12/2009 - 11:29

    I was not aware that they would do this.. this will only hurt them with future sales as others will be told to avoid them. Thanks for the info.

  • Jayd3n on 05/01/2010 - 18:41

    my plan is really just to look around, compare prices and haggle to death.. but oh my.. i just bought a vti last dec 27 for 26k.. nothing added except for mats & chrome exhaust (which are way too cheap)… the last offer given to me was 26700 with free fog lights. i said make it 2600 and he agreed. but the foglights were removed so it's like the same deal. i don't know what happened to me but i never complained.. and i remember now, i was promised a full tank but i didn't remember it was listed on the list of freebies that i will be getting.. tsk tsk tsk

  • Jayd3n on 05/01/2010 - 18:59

    hi stanas, you suggested that i check the manufacture date of the car, which is under the hood.. i was told i will be getting a 2010 model as the 2009 have run out already. so it would really be hard to tell how old is the car as i bought it late 2009 and therefore, it was manufactured 2009… oh but then again, for sure it wont be a 2009 model as the 2010 comes standard with curtain airbags..

  • hmbush on 18/01/2010 - 03:13

    Hi, I just want to update that I have taken delivery of the Mazda 3, and can confirm that the manufacture date is Dec 2009.

    Everything is in order.

    Happy shopping!

  • vid_ghost on 24/02/2010 - 23:03

    Awesome price on the mazda 3 in auto :) I'm very tempted to try my luck at picking a second one up for that $23,649 drive away but i'm just not a big fan of the fuel economy and "highway" road noise

    I've owned a 2009 new gen mazda 3 for 9 months so i know what its like first hand. Wish the Sky-G Direct injected engines would hurry up and move into these mazda 3's!

    I Think i may just wait for the price of the ix35 to come down a little and pick myself up one of those!

  • harley on 13/03/2010 - 19:47

    I just signed off on a Honda Civic Vti 2010, 2010 built for $25,000 with full tank of fuel, reverse sensor and mats. Have to wait until late April for it to be shipped, though.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/03/2010 - 13:22

      that's actually pretty good deal.

  • ironpaw on 25/03/2010 - 16:35

    I paid $22k drive away for my 3 Neo Manual + safety pack + tint + mats. Just have a price in mind and stick to it…

  • hmbush on 27/03/2010 - 01:00

    Just want to add that I own a Honda Civic and Mazda 3, both basic standard versions and still current.

    So far, I prefer the Civic over the Mazda 3 as far as driving is concerned.

    The Civic also comes standard with cruise control which I use from time to time.

    Both have very similar price.

  • bragains on 06/04/2010 - 01:28

    I paid 27K back in 2007 for a Neo Auto. :( With powerpack+cruisecontrol.

    I feel so ripped now reading this.

    • ESEMCE on 14/04/2010 - 11:23

      Don't forget the Aussie Dollar is SIGNIFICANTLY better value now than it was back in 07…
      You're buying a fully imported product, therefore the Value of the Aussie Dollar has a huge effect on the price you paid then compared to now.

  • discostu on 15/04/2010 - 22:56

    Has anyone purchased a Honda Civic vti-L lately? I'm trying to gauge what a good price for it is seeing as it has the 60-40 backseat and audio control on the steering wheel(amongst other features) as opposed to the vti. Wasn't looking at paying in the 30K's for a car though, just trying to get an idea for now. I'll be looking at buying during late June when it is end of financial year. Prices + info on the included extras would be a great help! This is my first car and I want to make sure that I don't get ripped, especially because I'm a girl - I will be taking a guy to help me haggle but nonetheless, I still want to make sure I get a decent price.

  • mollydooka on 29/04/2010 - 11:01

    We're thinking of purchasing a Mazda 3 Maxx Activematic. One dealer here in Perth said that they're all out of Maxx's, but a new shipment is 2-3 weeks away. Rang another dealer last night & he stated that the ship has docked & they're delivering new Maxx's now??!! Both said it's a new series with a few extra features (but both were vague on what the features will be).
    so, our dilemma, do we try to strike a bargain with "Perth's biggest Mazda dealer", who still has 2010 Maxx's (or so they claim, yet to view compliance plates), or do we order one "off the boat".
    There is a "2010 demo" available for $27,604 with 758 kms on the clock. surely if they can sell a demo for that price, then a brand new one could also be sold at the same price if they wanted to reach their end of month quota (as the young salesman assured me, "manager desperate to have a good month in april").
    Hard to get a really good buy at the moment, as dealers are having a field day ever since perth's storm a few weeks ago.
    Someone above paid $26,500, was that auto?

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