I'm a Mazda newbie and I've read through some great posts about your CX-9's to learn as much as possible. You guys (and ladies) are really knowledgeable. I looked at a CX-9 today and would appreciate any input. It's a NEW [160 mi.] 2017 CX-9 AWD Signature in White Pearl Mica with Auburn interior that they marked down twice over the last couple months as I imagine they want to clear it off the lot before the end of the year. With 2019 models arriving and this being a 2017 Signature (smaller market than more common models), I expect a really aggressive price. They gave a "markdown" price of $39,799 (was $43.3k, then $41.5k) plus all taxes and fees putting the total at $43,402 out the door. I am in California in case that makes a difference. What would you offer for this car based on your market experience?

 

https://www.cars.com/?knc=LedGogBRDn...com&pse=google

 

Looking at Cargurus.com, I found 3 new 2017 CX-9s on dealer lots for between 37,500 and 38,000. I can't say if 39,799 is high for your area or not. It seems a little high to me from across the country.

One factor I have looked at in deciding between the latest model year and the prior is the impact to resale value. While you are not planning to sell it and you should buy a car for what it is worth to you over the life of the vehicle, the resale value is a factor when all other things are equal. Eventually you will sell it and you always have the risk of an accident that totals it. I compared identical 2017 and 2018 CX-9s on Edmunds.com and found a 2,370 price difference between the two years based solely on the model year.

I would print out the cargurus listing and offer 37,000, in negotiation, I might go up to 38,000 and if they did not agree, I would leave the dealership and tell them that you really want to buy it but you can't justify going above 38,000. I bet they sell it to you for 38,500 or less. (I have had to leave the dealership telling them I was only in town for the day and really wanted to buy the car. They called 1 hour before closing to accept my offer.)

Let us know what happens.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/se...sModified=true

 

Thanks for the tips! I did something similar by bringing some Cargurus printouts but also included a few very low mileage used listings as well saying I might consider one of them to save the extra money. They brought the price down to $36.5k total. I then traded in a 2013 Toyota Sienna minivan for $17,899, leaving only about $20k. Have had it for two weeks and so far I'm really happy with it.