Thanks. Some dealerships are probably better than others. The salesman today was explaining about a special chip used in all cars. He was going on about the main and only factory that had burnt down in a fire. He said price for used cars has gone up.

I certainly don't recall that being reported - whilst I'm not completely discounting it, I wouldn't be surprised that it was sales patois (i.e. lies), given the overwhelming reasons why car prices have risen are:

The worldwide shortage of microchips has been in the news for months including the effect on the motor industry. Several major car manufacturers had shutdowns as a result. Guess you have been too busy doing your research to look at any mainstream news outlets.

I think you misconstrued my comment there - I was referring to the OP relaying the reason the sales person gave for the 'special chip' (for Mazdas, apparently[?]) shortage being due to the factory that prodcues them burning down (now highlighted for your convenience in bold italics from your own post), not the pandemic issues.

If you'd read the rest of my comments there, I specifically referred to the chip and (thus) new car shortage being caused by the pandemic issues.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 26/06/2021 at 14:48

Thanks. Some dealerships are probably better than others. The salesman today was explaining about a special chip used in all cars. He was going on about the main and only factory that had burnt down in a fire. He said price for used cars has gone up.

I certainly don't recall that being reported - whilst I'm not completely discounting it, I wouldn't be surprised that it was sales patois (i.e. lies), given the overwhelming reasons why car prices have risen are:

The worldwide shortage of microchips has been in the news for months including the effect on the motor industry. Several major car manufacturers had shutdowns as a result. Guess you have been too busy doing your research to look at any mainstream news outlets.

I think you misconstrued my comment there - I was referring to the OP relaying the reason the sales person gave for the 'special chip' (for Mazdas, apparently[?]) shortage being due to the factory that prodcues them burning down (now highlighted for your convenience in bold italics from your own post), not the pandemic issues.

If you'd read the rest of my comments there, I specifically referred to the chip and (thus) new car shortage being caused by the pandemic issues.

One of the car industry's biggest computer chip suppliers has warned that a major fire at one of its factories in Japan could have a "massive impact" on its ability to fulfil orders.

So it was not "sales patois (i.e. lies)" from the Mazda salesman.

I said it might be, not that it was. Besides, I'm sure the chip can be made elsewhere. Mazda and other Japanese makes aren't the only ones being affected by general chip shortages, which is affecting computer sales, mobile phones, etc. etc.

Besides, and if you had read all of the article, this fire occurred in March 19th 2021, not 2020. New car and computer chip shortages due to the pandemic would've been around since at least June of 2020, nine months earlier. I'm sure this did not help the general situation despite them holding 1 month's supply in reserve.

Why the unjustified rudeness when I just made a reasonable comment that a salesman could've (it's not as though they've never done it before) lied to justify why they 'couldn't' give the OP a discount, despite them going for a second-hand car, not a new one?

Just need to look for an independent garage to service my Mazda. Or will Mazda offer an improved deal? CX-5 seems a bit sluggish, not much get up and go car.

Only consider getting it serviced at a non-Mazda garage if it's outside warranty. If you're not happy with the car's performance, look for an equivalent from another make that does and ticks the other boxes that are important to you. Not worth tryting to get an extra discount on a car you don't really want.

Note that the previous gen CX-5 only came with the 'standard' Skyactiv-G 2.0 petrol engine, which in a bigger car like that won't be brisk, but ok. The latest version of the car does, at the moment, also have the option on upper spec models for a 2.5L version of that type of engine (smaller cars like the Mazda3 and CX-30 come with the newer design 2L Skyactiv-X engine with about the same power as the 2.5 SA-G), but it sounds as though your budget won't stretch to that.

Other makes with smaller capacity but turbocharged engines (that are mostly fine reliability wise) may suit the bill. Don't rush into choosing if you don't have to. Keep an eye out for bargains at several dealers in your region - sometimes one is desperate to make a sale (especially when trying to meet a sales target or stay afloat) and you may get lucky.