I second (or 11th) what everyone else has been saying... $23k for a used MS3 GT is a total rip
Here's the thing you have to remember about used cars... especially turbos. How they're treated and taken care of during the first say... 1k miles can dramatically affect how well the car performs (and lasts) thousands of miles later. You've probably heard how important it is to break a car in... it's also important to let a turbo idle after driving it. I'm not sure exactly how important it is for the MS3 but I know it's extremely important for the MSP. either way, these things (and many others) are things you'd never know for sure happened... Add into the mix how well (or not) the car was taken care of (garaged, dinged, etc.) and you better be getting on e hell of a deal.
Although it's popular for people to think used cars are the best value... it's not always the case. Especially if you're a "car guy" that wants his baby to remain in pristine condition inside and out. But financially, when you factor in the interest rate for a used is going to be at least a couple points higher than new... suddenly the difference isn't quite as dramatic.
now don't get me wrong... if you can get this guy down a few grand then you may have something. but at 23... buy new!
oh and one more thing... Even though I have an MSP, I've driven an MS3 w/nav for a couple days (long story) and can honestly tell you it sucks balls. For $1750 you can buy a garmin (far superior to that pos) and STILL have enough leftover to buy a nice 46" hdtv or something lol sure... it won't be "intergrated" but so F'ing what! if it's that important to you... buy an avic d3 (which is what I have) they can be had for about $500 now and they're a billion times better than the factory unit.
but yeah... getting back to the point. don't let these dealers screw you over. most savvy ms3 buyers (which this board as a whole consists of) are buying these cars for at or near invoice. if one dealer won't sell the car to you for the price you want... go elsewhere. you probably know this but some don't. a car can be taken in for service anywhere... doesn't have to be where you bought it. mazda will honor the warranty in your hometown... or timbukfriggintu. so don't let that factor in... just get the best deal you can (on a new) sport or GT and you won't regret it.
now if you wait for the 08.5's to roll out... that might be a different story. dealerships might actually have a legitimate reason to demand a premium on those... at least early on. but those too will sell for at or near invoice as the initial excitement dies off. good luck
Here's the thing you have to remember about used cars... especially turbos. How they're treated and taken care of during the first say... 1k miles can dramatically affect how well the car performs (and lasts) thousands of miles later. You've probably heard how important it is to break a car in... it's also important to let a turbo idle after driving it. I'm not sure exactly how important it is for the MS3 but I know it's extremely important for the MSP. either way, these things (and many others) are things you'd never know for sure happened... Add into the mix how well (or not) the car was taken care of (garaged, dinged, etc.) and you better be getting on e hell of a deal.
Although it's popular for people to think used cars are the best value... it's not always the case. Especially if you're a "car guy" that wants his baby to remain in pristine condition inside and out. But financially, when you factor in the interest rate for a used is going to be at least a couple points higher than new... suddenly the difference isn't quite as dramatic.
now don't get me wrong... if you can get this guy down a few grand then you may have something. but at 23... buy new!
oh and one more thing... Even though I have an MSP, I've driven an MS3 w/nav for a couple days (long story) and can honestly tell you it sucks balls. For $1750 you can buy a garmin (far superior to that pos) and STILL have enough leftover to buy a nice 46" hdtv or something lol sure... it won't be "intergrated" but so F'ing what! if it's that important to you... buy an avic d3 (which is what I have) they can be had for about $500 now and they're a billion times better than the factory unit.
but yeah... getting back to the point. don't let these dealers screw you over. most savvy ms3 buyers (which this board as a whole consists of) are buying these cars for at or near invoice. if one dealer won't sell the car to you for the price you want... go elsewhere. you probably know this but some don't. a car can be taken in for service anywhere... doesn't have to be where you bought it. mazda will honor the warranty in your hometown... or timbukfriggintu. so don't let that factor in... just get the best deal you can (on a new) sport or GT and you won't regret it.
now if you wait for the 08.5's to roll out... that might be a different story. dealerships might actually have a legitimate reason to demand a premium on those... at least early on. but those too will sell for at or near invoice as the initial excitement dies off. good luck
