End-of-the-Model-Year Deals: Mazda

Next up in our series is Mazda. Unlike many of its competitors, which focus on regionally tailored discounts, Mazda is offering what seem to be national incentives — though, as always, you should check your zip code for availability — that include sizable cash-back deals on the RX-8, Tribute, B-Series and Mazda6. The four models also get 0.0%financing for either 36 or 60 months, depending on the model. Unfortunately, those looking for a discount on other Mazda models won’t find much to their liking.

A full list of deals and our thoughts are below:

• 2008 RX-8: $3,500 or 0.0% APR for 36 months
• 2008 Tribute: $2,500 or 0.0% APR for 36 months
• 2008 B-Series: $2,000 or 0.0% APR for 36 months
• 2008 Mazda6: $2,750 or 0.0% APR for 60 months

The 2009 RX-8 is already on sale and has minimal differences from the 2008. The small sports car has aged a bit and doesn’t have as much power as the Nissan 350Z, but with $3,500 cash back you can get into a base model for $23,000. Plus, Cars.com’s Smart Target Price has the RX-8 at another $1,000 less than MSRP. We’d expect dealers to make even better offers.

The 2008 Tribute small SUV is a different matter. While the design for 2009 remains the same as 2008, it has a slightly more fuel-efficient four-cylinder base engine and a six-speed transmission, which you don’t get in the 2008 version. The new automatic transmission translates to 2 mpg better gas mileage on the highway with both the four-cylinder and the V-6. If you don’t do a lot of highway driving, the 2008 might be for you. According to the EPA’s website, you’ll save about $150 a year in fuel costs by going with the 2009. Factoring in the Tribute’s Smart Target Price and rebate, you’re looking at a base Tribute for $16,500 or a decently equipped one for $18,500.

The 2008 B-Series truck is basically the same vehicle as the Ford Ranger. It is an antiquated model, but if you need a compact truck, don’t turn down $2,000 cash back on one. After Cars.com’s STP and the rebate, you’re looking at a $13,500 truck.

The 2009 Mazda6 goes on sale later this summer and is radically redesigned. You can read about it here. The 2008 is showing its age, and we’d expect dealers will offer even better deals than the $2,750 listed. Cars.com’s STP is about $500 less than the Mazda6’s $19,140 starting price, and with another $2,750 off you’re looking at less than $16,000 to get in a midsize sedan that still has a lot to offer. We’d still recommend it to value shoppers, as it’ll be more car and a better value than a 2008 Kia Optima for a similar price.