If you’re shopping for a compact SUV, then the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is likely on your shortlist, as it should be. The Mazda CX-5 has come a long way in the past few years and with its elegant styling inside and out as well as a well-rounded choice of trim levels, there is a CX-5 that could fit nearly everyone. And in case you do decide to pull the trigger on one, here are some negotiation tips that could get you the best possible deal on a CX-5.

Choose the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring trim

It’s easy to think that you won’t be eligible for any discounts on a 2021 Mazda CX-5, considering they’re the new model, but as Ari Janessian, a Youtuber and auto broker, says in the video below, you would be “dead wrong.” According to his statistics, there are currently around 4,000 brand-new 2020 CX-5 models in the U.S and approximately 13,350 2021 models nationwide. That means that with the majority of dealer lots filled with 2021 models, they should be willing to play ball.

Just to note, of those 2021 models, around 6,000 of them are front-wheel-drive and 12,000 are all-wheel-drive. And among all of those 12,000 AWD models, about 5,300 of those are CX-5 Touring models, which is likely your best trim level choice for the best deal since there are more of those currently in the market than any of the other trims.

Mazda CX-5 Touring financing negotiation tips

Now that we know that the CX-5 Touring AWD is the one to go for, we look at the numbers that Janessian uses an example for a car deal when financing is used:

2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring

MSRP: $29,950

Dealer Markup: 5%

Target Price: $28,450

Dealer incentive: $1,000

Promotional APR: 0.9% at 60 months

Final: $27,450

Loyalty discount: $1,500

Let’s take a closer look at these numbers. The MSRP for the 2021 CX-5 Touring is $29,950 in addition to a dealer markup of 5 percent. Janessian was quick to point out that the mark-up percentage could vary depending on your region and dealer. But alas, the target starting price that you should aim for is $28,450, before all of the taxes and fees.

However, there is currently a manufacturer-to-dealer incentive of $1,000 off, so you should be sure to ask for that. And, as an added bonus, there is even a promotional APR offer of 0.9% for up to 60 months on the CX-5, which you should also be sure to ask for. This means that your final starting price with the available discounts $27,450. However, if you currently own a Mazda, you could also qualify for a “loyalty discount” of up to an additional $1,500.

Mazda CX-5 Touring leasing negotiation tips

If you’re planning to lease the Mazda CX-5 Touring AWD, then the deal structure looks largely the same:

2021 CX-5 Touring AWD

MSRP: $29,950

Markup: 5%

Target starting price: $28,450

Dealer incentive: $1,000

Target discounted price: $27,450

Loyalty: $1,500

Residual: 60% with 10,000 miles per year

Money Factor: .00024

$1,560 due at signing

$295 per month 6.25% sales tax

Taking a closer look at the numbers, we see that the target starting price is $28,450 minus a $1,000 incentive discount from the dealer, which makes it $27,450. Again, if you currently own a Mazda, then you could get the starting price down another $1,500. But with leasing, you want to pay more attention to the money that you’re putting down and the monthly payment.

As such, Janessian calculated a sample lease deal using a residual value – or the value percentage of the car after three years – of 60%, provided that car will be driven 10,000 miles per year, and a money factor (interest rate) of .00024, which is equivalent to an interest rate of 6 percent.

Factoring in a tax rate of 6.25% (your local tax rate will vary), as well as the initial drive-off fees (first month’s payment, registration, tax, and title fees), the sample monthly lease payment, would be $295 per month. Considering you would only be putting a down payment of $1,560, for a higher trim level, that’s a great deal.

Your numbers may vary

Keep in mind that the dealer incentives and other discounts can vary by region and state, so your lease and financing deals on a 2021, or even a 2020 model, Mazda CX-5 may vary. Additionally, your state and local taxes, as well as the DMV registration fees, can vary as well. Just make sure to do your own research before purchasing a Mazda CX-5, however, we hope these tips will help.