Getting my MS3 tomorrow!!

chodaboy1980

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2008 True Red Mazdaspeed 3 GT
So tomorrow I am going to the credit union to finish off the paperwork and get my new car. Needless to say I am pretty psyched. I think that I found a pretty amazing deal. A 2008 true red GT with 2050 miles for 21,950. I took a look at the car today. Didn't actually test drive it (I'm pretty sure I'll love it), just had to make sure that I fit in it alright. It was in pristine condition, the leather smelled amazing. I probably could have talked him down a few dollars, but he also showed me a receipt for a 3M paint protectant film to prevent rock chips. Its a clear film on the front of the car and part way up the hood. While that was a nice bonus the real reason that I just went for the advertised price was that it was a nice price to begin with and the guy is military and the reason that he is selling is that he is being deployed to Iraq. I figured it would be Un-American to try to lowball a war hero.

The guy that I am buying the car from looks to be in his 50's. Safe to say that the car hasn't been run hard.....yet, lol. The guy didn't even know that the traction control could be turned off. I doubt that the car has ever been driven over 75 mph. He said that he just used to to commute 6 miles each way to work every day. I think that the car will be happier with me. It always seems like such a waste when people buy sports cars and never drive them as such.

I'm thinking of getting the Cobb sri before too long. I heard it was a lot easier to install and remove in case I need some warranty work done. Oh, does anybody have any info on the warranty transfer process? I'll post up some pics before long. I'm sure that you guys have never seen a stock true red before. Any members in the Seattle area hit me up and we can go for a cruise.
 
I have a stock true red (drinks) Awesome price! you'll love it. And the CObb sri is super sweet (well I guess im not totally stock) Great sound and power for the money.
 
Nice find! You must be in Seattle, because it sounds like the exact car I was eyeballing on Craigslist for quite some time.
Sounds like an amazing deal.
 
You're too trusting if you're buying a car from an individual without a test drive, IMHO. But sounds like a decent deal otherwise. If the GT features aren't important you could talk a dealer down to that price on a Sport easily.
 
I would drive it and have it checked out by a dealership/mechanic first before completing the deal. Have you gotten a CarFax on it? Make sure it was never in an accident. And just because the guy is in the military does not mean that he is honest...I have known plenty of people/friends in the military...As well, just because he is 50 does not mean he did not drive the car hard...

I'm not trying to burst your bubble or bring you down, I'm just trying to look out for you...
 
i don't think it's a great deal. last week, i bought my 2008.5 GT for $200 over invoice, which is 23,240+200=23,440.
are you sure you don't wanna pay $1500 more for a brand new one?
also keep in mind that private party used car loans carry higher interest rate than a new car dealer loan. with the higher interest payment, you're not getting the bargain that you think you're getting.

if you still want this car that's been on craigslist for a while, i'm sure you can bargain it down more, say $20k?
 
The credit union that I am financing with requires a carfax report. I ran it last night and it came out clean. I really wanted the features of the GT. I am coming from a 92 nissan sentra se-r. It can be a fun lightweight car, but it just keeps breaking down on me. This is my first new car so I wanted to do it right and get the extra features for a little extra money.

I know that just because the guy is in his 50's doesn't mean that he didn't run the car hard. I think I can read people fairly well and he seemed pretty timid and law abiding. I imagine that a 50 year old would have the self control to take it easy on the car during the break in period. SOmething I don't have to worry about know.

I figured that a new (2,000) mile gt for less than a sport was a good enough deal to me. The paint protection film was a nice bonus too. I heard that rock chips on the front of our cars can be problematic. Plus I suck at bargaining.
 
Good luck with everything. As long as you are getting what you want and are happy with your purchase, that is all that matters...Again, I was not in any way trying to be a jacka$$ or anything, just wanted to make sure you were not forgetting things and just getting caught up in the new car purchase - as we have all been there, excited about a new car. Post some pics in the thread when you get it.
 
The credit union that I am financing with requires a carfax report. I ran it last night and it came out clean. I really wanted the features of the GT. I am coming from a 92 nissan sentra se-r. It can be a fun lightweight car, but it just keeps breaking down on me. This is my first new car so I wanted to do it right and get the extra features for a little extra money.

I know that just because the guy is in his 50's doesn't mean that he didn't run the car hard. I think I can read people fairly well and he seemed pretty timid and law abiding. I imagine that a 50 year old would have the self control to take it easy on the car during the break in period. SOmething I don't have to worry about know.

I figured that a new (2,000) mile gt for less than a sport was a good enough deal to me. The paint protection film was a nice bonus too. I heard that rock chips on the front of our cars can be problematic. Plus I suck at bargaining.

That's the sr20 powered sentra correct? I keep seeing people coming to the MS3 from an sr20 (including me). Weird.
 
buy the sucker and enjoy. people are buying NEW MS3'S with transfer miles of 300+. wonder how they were driven. how fast could the old geezer have gone anyway without having a heart attack?? yuk-yuk
 
2008 Gt for $22,000. You could easily just pay $2,000 more and get a brand new 2008.5 gt with probably <20 miles on the odo. us soldier or not, it is still your money that you are spending...
 
Hehe, poor guy. He didn't fare too badly. As long as both parties are happy with their decision, then that's what really counts. He could have gotten a new one for 2 grand more, but 2 grand is 2 grand and I checked the car over as well and he basically got a brand new car. The previous guy seemed to have taken care of it. Just the fact that he put 3m film on it right away shows that he knows something about taking care of a vehicle.

Reason why I was hyped about the car is that it would have been perfect for me to import to Canada. Dealers won't sell new cars to Canadians, so I'd have to look for a slightly used car to be able to get a US version (much cheaper than in Canada). Unfortunately I have to get rid of my current car first.
 
I got the keys at about 12:45 PM. Took a little over two hours to finish things up at the credit union. Monthly payments end up at $313 a month. Doesn't seem too bad to me. I really like the stereo, its much better than any aftermarket attempt I have tried in the past. I've never really driven or been in a car that quick before. It surprised me a bit the first time I stepped on it in second gear. I noticed quite a bit of body movement under acceleration in the lower gears. A set of springs would most likely cure that though. I just don't want a harsh ride.

I'll get some pics up tomorrow or the next day. I have to get some insurance on it asap now that I am at my computer. Lovin it at 45 miles in.
 
Finally got a chance to wash, wax, and detail the new ride. I used Meguiars NXT Tech Wax 2.0. I don't have much experience detailing/waxing cars, the wax was really easy to apply and I'm really pleased with the results. I've put about 500 miles on the car since I bought it, need to think about the oil change soon (approaching 3000 miles. I heard that penzoil platinum is some pretty good stuff. I'm not too sure what type of filter people recommend. I know that the factory filter is a bit different.

I ordered the Cobb SRI, TRZ dogbone rear motor mount (poly/street stiffness), and the TWM shifter bushings. Planning on getting the tint done before long. Here are a few pics after the wash and wax. Let me know what you think.
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