New 2003 Protege ES - Invoice $? Offer?

[capj]

Hi everyone,

We need to replace a 1990 Ford Tempo that is dying from underuse - it only has 140k, but is falling apart and leaking untold number of fluids.

I have been considering leasing the new Chevy Optra for 48 mos, however for a $21,660 car, $7,650 is a really low residual value in my opinion.

I recently noticed a Toronto-area Mazda dealer has sitting among their used cars, a new 2003 Protege ES with Sport mode AT and Air Conditioning.  They have it listed at $18,795 + Freight + PDI.  (It's also silver, which I don't care for, but it's not ugly).

Does anyone know what the invoice price was on this car and if there are any major incentives for dealers to blow them out?  Any suggestions on what offer to make?  Are they still that popular being almost 2 years old and with the Mazda3's selling like hotcakes?

I was thinking about offering a few grand less w/ 0 down and 0% financing for 60 mos.  Does this sound unreasonable?

[pikacha10]

the invoice on the mazda is probably in the area of 16,000-17,000.  

when buying a car its best to start negotiating on a price you want to pay, not the price they want you to pay.

one of my friends walked into a dealership gave them an offer and said 'take it or leave it' they didnt take it so as he left they chased him back in for the sale

for the protege i would only offer about 17,000 but even them im not sure because im not that much of a mazda fan.

FYI, the mazda3's are selling like hotcakes but it wont last very long. supposedly their great cars, but it doesnt have the name like a civic or an accord which are known to be reliable and such.

[johngenx]

My opening offer would be $15,500.  See where they go from there, and note their "bargaining stance."  To do that, you need to go back and forth a few times and see how much they're moving each time.  Compare those amounts.  If they're "opening" and the amounts are the same or even growing, hold firm or move very little.  If they're "closing" and their movemment amounts are getting smaller, you're probably getting close to their bottom line.

Then, stop $1000 short of your "maximum" price.  Get up and walk out.  Leave your number.  If they want the deal, they'll either respond on the spot, or call very soon.

If you have your heart set on the car, you'll pay more, but you'll be happy 'cause you really wanted it.

Good luck...

[Sterling]

You probably won't be able to get 0% financing on a 2003 model. There will be no current incentives on this car. Mazda will have paid this dealer a lump sum "final settlement" a year ago.

[eax]

The invoice on a 2003 Mazda Protege 5 ES with Auto and Air was $21085 + F&PDI.  $18G is $3000 below invoice.  I'm sure there was a rebate, $2500 or $3000 when they registered the car.  The warranty is ticking btw.  the 0% for 60 months comes from Mazda, not the dealership and is not available on 2+ model year old vehicles.  You should be able to get it for somewhere close to 17G.  SHOULD, then again perhaps this dealer is a nut and feels like having a 18G paperweight hanging around for another year.

[johngenx]

If you want to pay $17K, don't offer that.  Start lower, much lower.  In the $15K's for sure.

Ask about the warranty.  I know with Mercedes it's from the "in-service" date, which for new cars is the day you take delivery.  If the car has been "in-service" as a demo, it's from that date.  Clarify Mazda's policy and make sure you get a s much warranty as possible.

[bmorton]

MSRP on a 2003 Protege ES sedan (not the Protege5 wagon) with air, auto and silver paint was $21,400 plus freight/PDI. A good guess for invoice would be about $20,000 on that car. There's some good advice here on negotiating techniques. I had a 2002 Protege and was very happy with it.