Need help in buying a new Mazda 3

[amdg]

I'm a newbie to cars in general. I havent been interested in cars although my family had a few back in the day. My appreciation to the car was just the "hatid-sundo" kind of ride. I never actually really cared about cars (since i was into other things when i was growing up) until now when my company will be giving me my own car as an incentive.


I've been reading through the threads and I'm amazed of all the car owners and enthusiasts who really love their cars. I'm truly inspired. That is why I want to go through the process on how to shop for a car, although i'm already decided on getting a Mazda 3 1.6L V sedan. With this, i need help on some very basic (noob) concerns:

1. Dealer Aftersales - ive already visited the Mazda dealer in Makati. I was totally clueless what to ask other than the basic features of a car. I let the SA do the talking. The sales pitch was very nice and pleasant but what im also interested in is the aftersales service. I heard that Greenhills and Makati dealers are rivals. I just want to know from the Mazda owners which dealer they like best (sales and aftersales) and which dealer do they recommend?
2. Freebies - What are the basic/standard accessories or freebies that come with the package (included in the quote)? Should i haggle for more? If so, what other free items do you think i can get (other than the discounts)? Per my SA, i only get 10 liters gas-in upon delivery (not the full tank as some have experienced) since he said the gas fill-up is charged to him or to the SAs.
3. What items or features do i need to check before i acknowledge/receive/take possession of the car from the dealer? Although i read this link from a forum (http://www.theintarweb.org/cars/NewCarChecklist.pdf) but its too anal.
4. Any other things i need to consider. Would really appreciate all your inputs and recommendations.

Be well.

[work]

If I was in the market for a new car in that class, I would wait for the new Mazda 3 or just get the new Lancer or Corolla. The current Mazda 3 has been available for sometime unless you're getting a great deal then go for it.

[BlueJazz]

Just got my Mazda3 one month ago, and the first thing I did was to get the lowest quotes from GH, QA and Makati. QA gave me the best deal in terms of discount (biggest), so I got the unit from them. Plates took me exactly 3 weeks which was not bad. Freebies were 3M tint which they installed pretty good, seatcover, 3rd party TPL insurance and LTO registration. Sales people in QA are friendly but showroom and customer lounge are cramped.

Aftersales, then Makati will come number 1 based on owner experience. You can go to the Mazda3 forum for more inputs. GH and QA are full of horror stories that I would opt to check other dealers for my PMS.

I can recommend you an agent in QA, just PM me for details.

good luck.

[amdg]

*work - Thanks for the advise. appreciate it. However, the new Mazda will be released on 2010 pa daw. If ever they release a 2009 model, it will just be an improved/upgraded version of the existing--I think this is a common practice in the industry. I think I wont be able to wait that long also. Super excited din kasi ako. hehe.

*BlueJazz - I already had a very nice quote from Mazda Makati which im already comfortable with. However, i will try to ask QA also for a quote. I'm quite hesitant though dealing with GH, coz like you said of the "horror stories." Per the SA in Makati, LTO registration will just take 1 week, and they can already deliver the unit if i wanted (plates to follow). They will also throw in free parking/backup sensors, 3M (magic) tint, tailpipe finisher among other things...

ang hirap pala bumili ng auto... dami mo iconsider... sabagay, for the cashout that you will be giving away requires you to make a wise and sound decision...

[daimengrui]

Fixed ka na ba sa Mazda? It's really not wise buying a car in its Model end life cycle year. Did you try look at the Honda Civic 1.8V or S trim?

The 1.6V engine for the Mazda3 is too underpowered for a body of 1300 kgs Thats the biggest achilles heels of the 3 -- not very good FC. My attitude is somewhat wait for the next model. If you get a Honda Civic FD now in 3 years you can count on the Civic's better resale value and switch to the 2010 Mazda 3 should it prove to be a better car by 2011. Not bad if your changing cars every 3-4 yrs like me.

So for me Honda muna now Mazda later (IF the next "3" proves to be a better car).

[1D4LV]

hmm. the mazda3 is already expensive in its class considering its quite older.
since the costs is quite equal to the new altis and the civic, why not consider these cars also?

imho, medyo mataas pa ng onti yung lancer.

[BackSpace]

I just got my Mazda3 for more than a month now. I can say if you have other options better not buy 1.6L. ahhhh bitin ako sa arangkada hangang ngyon nag sisi pa rin ako. At parang hirap talaga pag may sakay kang 3 . better read my other post inquiry in this forum.