1. Do your homework: Before you even step foot in a dealership, make sure you do your research on the Mazda 3 model you’re interested in. Look up the invoice price, which is the price the dealer paid for the car, and the MSRP, which is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Knowing these numbers will give you a good idea of how much room there is to negotiate.
2. Shop around: Don’t settle for the first price you’re offered. Visit multiple dealerships and get quotes from each one. This will give you leverage when negotiating with a particular dealer. Be sure to mention the prices you were quoted at other dealerships to see if they can match or beat them.
3. Timing is key: Dealerships often have monthly or quarterly sales goals that they need to meet. The end of the month or quarter is a great time to negotiate, as the dealerships may be more willing to make a deal in order to meet their targets. Additionally, shopping during the fall or winter months when dealers are trying to clear out older inventory can also result in better deals.
4. Be willing to walk away: If the dealer isn’t willing to come down on the price, don’t be afraid to walk away. The dealer may be more inclined to make a deal with you if they see you’re serious about finding the best price.
5. Consider financing options: Dealerships often make money through financing and add-ons like extended warranties or maintenance plans. Make sure you’re getting a good interest rate on your loan and consider getting pre-approved through a bank or credit union before you start negotiating.
6. Don’t forget about incentives: Keep an eye out for any manufacturer incentives or rebates that may be available for the Mazda 3. These can help lower the overall price of the car and give you more negotiating power.
Negotiating the best price on a Mazda 3 may take some time and effort, but with the right approach, you can end up saving a significant amount of money on your new car. By doing your research, shopping around, and being prepared to walk away if needed, you can ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.