[anamnesis]

I just contacted a local dealer of mine (Chicago) and inquired about an overview of the price structure for the new models ... he didn't have detailed pricing yet, of course, but he suggested that the "top end" models will go for upwards of $23-24K USD (approx. $30-32K CAN). :shock: :shock: :shock:

I was like "wow" and asked what options would knock the price up that high. He said, again, he could not say for certain ... I am assuming it's implied now that leather seats will be available. They sure as hell better be heated for that price! I am sure the navigation system (which requires the HID option) will be another $2,000+ also. Still, I hadn't imagined even a fully equipped model coming in much more than $21K at the very most. I am wondering why he gave me such a high number. Price gouging? :? I will be speaking to him more as the pricing and availability becomes clearer.

 

[mz6zoomzoom]

LOL well heating seats costs like $100... not a significant factor in the price equation.

That top price doesn't especially surprise me... The Focus tops out at $22,000 or thereabouts afterall.

 

[startx]

Well I would be suprize that the price is that HIGH, First the MAZDA SPEED is around 27K in canada, and it is more powerful, better and I mean BETTER sound system with MP3, probably better suspension, better tires so I would be verry suprise that the Mazda 3 GT come up to 30 to 32k and that price is the price of the 6 4I GT GFX so if it's that price I go for the 6 V6 GFX :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

 

[folderol]

I thought $23,000US sounded a bit high myself, but then I looked at Protege5 pricing. The fully loaded P5 comes in at $21,500 including stuff you may or may not need/want:

ABS & SIDE AIR BAG PACKAGE $490
MOONROOF & 6-CD PACKAGE $690
CASSETTE PLAYER $200
PERIMETER SHOCK SENSOR ALARM $220
COMPASS/OUTSIDE TEMP AUTODIM MIRROR $230
ROOF RACK $250
LEATHER SEAT UPHOLSTERY $490
16-INCH POLISHED ALLOY WHEELS $500
4-SPD SPORT MODE AUTO TRANS W/OVERDRIVE $900
wheel locks, cargo net, etc..

It all adds up. A well equipped model (auto, ABS/side airbags, moonroof/6-CD) comes in at a much more reasonable $19,500 MSRP. I think the 2.3L engine is well worth tacking $500-1000 on the base price, putting the average 3s hatch closer to $20,000. And who needs a nav system on a compact car anyhow? I'd rather have a dashboard storage bin.

 

[anamnesis]

Haha ... who needs a navigation system on any car? Why does being "compact" exclude it from the privelege of having such a feature? You ask why a compact would need it ... why does a luxury or midsize car need it? The point is, it's all up to the buyer, and the fact that Mazda is the first to bring a small car to the market with such a feature available is really cool. Nobody else offers it in a small car.

 

[dolanh]

Not true -- the Mini Cooper offers a nav system in an even smaller package

 

[Haris]

It has to be fully loaded or at least with most features (2.3L, auto transmission, navi, HIDs, sunroof, leather is not important for me) and it should be around $20K. No way will I ever pay $24K for it when I can get Mazda6 V6 for about $22K base model.

 

[Haris]

Not true -- the Mini Cooper offers a nav system in an even smaller package

Err, I dont think mini fits under compact car (economy) category like mazda3; therefore, it will definetely be the first compact car with navigation as optional. And I am talking about USA only, there might be other compact cars with navi in other places.

 

[anamnesis]

Not true -- the Mini Cooper offers a nav system in an even smaller package

Yeah well the interior is bizarre

No way will I ever pay $24K for it when I can get Mazda6 V6 for about $22K base model.

Agreed. Exactly my point: such a price goes well into Mazda6 territory. That sounds a bit stupid ... it's a wide margin of price crossover. You can get a V6 Mazda6 for less. The dealer I contacted has been with Mazda for 20 years so I doubt he's just stupid. I am really anxious to see the final prices on all these features ...

 

[Kazbaeden]

Of course there's always the possibility that the guy was pulling out numbers that sounded good...

But for the highest of high I suppose that might be a good MSRP. Of course then we always remember that a car can be bought for invoice or close to it, at least maybe in a couple of months when the dealer can't say "They're selling like hotcakes."

 

[mz6zoomzoom]

It has to be fully loaded or at least with most features (2.3L, auto transmission, navi, HIDs, sunroof, leather is not important for me) and it should be around $20K. No way will I ever pay $24K for it when I can get Mazda6 V6 for about $22K base model.

Well the question is size vs features. That MZ6 will be bigger but have less features, while the MZ3 will be smaller and have more... so which do you want to spend the money on.

 

[dinu01]

Small car!!!
Features!!!

 

[schulkw]

I don't think that dealer knows what he is talkign about unless I've missed something. If the models are starting out at $14K, how in the world can you add $9-$10K dollars in options on a Mazda? The nav system is going to add around $2K (price on the RX-8), but still.

I'm gonna shoot my dealer an email and see what they say.

:-/

 

[schulkw]

Ok, emailed my dealer.

In the meantime, AutoWeek apparently updated their Mazda3 article and now they're sayign "Think $13,000 to $21,000."

I already posted this article somewhere, but I'll repost it for convenience:

http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=reviews&content_code=02067768&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=1606063&record=1

 

[atl]

They need to get there numbers together. Starting to piss me off.

 

[dolanh]

Not true -- the Mini Cooper offers a nav system in an even smaller package

Err, I dont think mini fits under compact car (economy) category like mazda3; therefore, it will definetely be the first compact car with navigation as optional. And I am talking about USA only, there might be other compact cars with navi in other places.

No offense, but the original poster (anamnesis) said simply "small car". Both the Mazda3 and Mini would generally be considered small cars.

 

[mz6zoomzoom]

Ah, the intricacies of wording

I was thinking exactly what Haris wrote, but dolanh you are technically correct.

 

[anamnesis]

Technically, I guess the Mini is included in this segment, though I don't think people think of them in the same likeness as compact sedans. Only a few enthusiasts will cross-shop for something like the Mini Cooper as an alternative to the accepted Honda/Toyota/Nissan trio. It is just a very eccentric car that I don't think most people who are shopping for a small sedan or wagon would consider. With the exception of Ford and GM, most other companies (Mazda, Hyundai, Kia) with small cars are usually the odd ones out ... but in the last few years, those last three are gaining huge market momentum on "Japan's Big 3" ... and it's a vehicle like the 3 that is leading the charge with such premium features. While the Korean models still have catching up to do in the quality category, I feel they will get there eventually, and Mazda's quality is just as good as Honda or Toyota now. The underdogs are catching up while Honda and Toyota are not really doing anything to push the envelope further. Perhaps now they will start taking after Mazda! Won't THAT be amusing.

 

[dinu01]

The Mini will not be cross-shopped with the Civic/Corolla/Sentra/3 but rather with other small fun to drive rides like... oh wait - there's nothing in that size

Except teh Aveo and the Echo Hatch, none of which I assume are a fun driver.

 

[Kazbaeden]

I hate the Minis that park in strange not-meant-to-be-parked locations, just because of their size. Kind of like motorcycles.