A journey in buying a Mazda 3 hatchback

[mazda_mazza]

Hey,

So I've driven the skin out of my mazda 626. Almost 175K done on it, and only after buying it in '06. Through this time I have had envy for the mazda3 hatchbacks and now am in the process of acquiring one.
Not many of these for sale where I am at (KC), however I came across a 2004 Mazda3 s hatchback. Besides the standard features, it also has a sunroof/moonroof and 6-disc cd changer with leather interior. It has around 35K done on it (yea, that low right?!)
What would be a good deal on this sort of car? Since it is one of the older models and its already 2011, I am finding it hard to judge a fair price in a private dealer situation.

Would love your inputs and thoughts on this!

Reuben

 

[nate0123]

have you checked kbb.com?

 

[hat1018]

The used car market is sooo bloated right now. Not many people want to take the plunge on a new ride so all the used car prices have gone up to maximize profits. End rant.
If I had to guess, since we don't know what the "private dealer" is asking for it. What is a private dealer btw? A ballpark range for that car would be 7-9K, like I said ballpark. An 04 with only 35K sounds like an amazing steal, but be sure to look it over really good.

 

[mazda_mazza]

Yea, the seller listed it for $11K, but is not going below $10,500. I think at this point, its a "good" deal for him.

What are your thoughts?

 

[hat1018]

If it is as clean as a 35k vehicle should be, I would say he is not totally out of line.

 

[nate0123]

Yea, the seller listed it for $11K, but is not going below $10,500. I think at this point, its a "good" deal for him.

What are your thoughts?

I agree that it's probably a good deal for him. But if it's that pristine and is exactly what you want, you may not find another in that condition. Is saving a couple hundred by haggling really going to make or break it for you?

Have you examined the car in person?

 

[mazda_mazza]

Yea, I have taken a look at it. It is in excellent condish. I really love it, so yah i have gone ahead and purchased it (or in the process currently).
Plus, its lava orange..ans thats a beautiful color.
Next on my things to do...get a tint job and some rims

 

[hat1018]

Cool! I love the Lava Orange. Don't see it too often, which is a good thing. Makes it stand out.

 

[nate0123]

Yea, I have taken a look at it. It is in excellent condish. I really love it, so yah i have gone ahead and purchased it (or in the process currently).
Plus, its lava orange..ans thats a beautiful color.
Next on my things to do...get a tint job and some rims

Awesome! Congratulations - post pics as soon as you get it!