04' Mazda 3 Hatch questions

[J.J.]

I will be checking out a 04 sport Hatch this weekend. It has 36K mi and is in really good shape. The guy wants $13,750. I'm trying to get it for $12,750.

Generally, I try to avoid first year productions for obvious reasons, so my question is:
1. How many people with 04 hatches have had major or multiple minor problems?
2. What is the general opinion of this board on the 04 models?

I'm looking for a reliable, fuel efficient (25-28 mpg), fun car to get me through residency. I don't want a civic!

Thanks guys

 

[Loose]

I will be checking out a 04 sport Hatch this weekend. It has 36K mi and is in really good shape. The guy wants $13,750. I'm trying to get it for $12,750.

Generally, I try to avoid first year productions for obvious reasons, so my question is:
1. How many people with 04 hatches have had major or multiple minor problems?
2. What is the general opinion of this board on the 04 models?

I'm looking for a reliable, fuel efficient (25-28 mpg), fun car to get me through residency. I don't want a civic!

Thanks guys

I just traded the 04 hatch for the MS3 and I had NO trouble with the 04. I was alittle heavy footed so I got alittle less than that but you'll love it!

 

[BHOUST528]

I will be checking out a 04 sport Hatch this weekend. It has 36K mi and is in really good shape. The guy wants $13,750. I'm trying to get it for $12,750.

Generally, I try to avoid first year productions for obvious reasons, so my question is:
1. How many people with 04 hatches have had major or multiple minor problems?
2. What is the general opinion of this board on the 04 models?

I'm looking for a reliable, fuel efficient (25-28 mpg), fun car to get me through residency. I don't want a civic!

Thanks guys

I have on at the present time i love it. I think it handles very well and the overall ride isnt bad...When i was shopin for mine i had the choice of this the mazda 3 hatch or a civic si hatch the civic had 46k on it vs. the 34k my hatch had..i drove both and even though the si was a hatch i liked and a 5spd i liked the mazda overall..interior was nicer and was seemed to be faster than the si and after researching it is....if i were you go ZOOMIN!(nana)

 

[tsunami]

i have a 04 hatch and haven't had one warranty issue... thought i had the simple purge valve selonoid problem (there is a tsb) but it went away so it must have been my gas cap that was the only scare... some lighter wider tires/suspension goodies and go fast goodies and i absolutly love my car... i say go for it but the resale value is pretty good i would be surprised if the they drop the 1k you are looking for... last time i looked 13k was a good price with around that many miles.

 

[J.J.]

I went to look at the vehicle today.

The good:
It was very well taken care of. The interior looked great, practically brand new. The new car smell was actually still present. It was equipped with the moonroof and six disk CD changer. The windows were already tinted and it came with floor mats and trunk mat. The car has 37,100 mi. We agreed to $12,500

The bad:
I looked the vehicle over in direct sunlight and only after I inspected the vehlcle did the owner tell me about a minor accident. He was able to show me pictures and the insurance report. He also admitted the accident was not reported to police.
The paint matched perfectly and there was no sign of previous damage. I ran a carfax on the vehicle and it was completely clean. IMO, the repair was excellent.

So, I'm left to think about it. I will likely inspect the car once again tomorrow and at that point will take it for a drive.

Just thought I'd share my experience today!
Any advice or remarks are welcomed and appreciated.

 

[Mocoso]

I went to look at the vehicle today.

The good:
It was very well taken care of. The interior looked great, practically brand new. The new car smell was actually still present. It was equipped with the moonroof and six disk CD changer. The windows were already tinted and it came with floor mats and trunk mat. The car has 37,100 mi. We agreed to $12,500

The bad:
I looked the vehicle over in direct sunlight and only after I inspected the vehlcle did the owner tell me about a minor accident. He was able to show me pictures and the insurance report. He also admitted the accident was not reported to police.
The paint matched perfectly and there was no sign of previous damage. I ran a carfax on the vehicle and it was completely clean. IMO, the repair was excellent.

So, I'm left to think about it. I will likely inspect the car once again tomorrow and at that point will take it for a drive.

Just thought I'd share my experience today!
Any advice or remarks are welcomed and appreciated.

Details on the accident? where was the damage - how extensive? was it just a fender bender? if there was insurance report but no police report then depending on the state either it was low $$$ damage and/or no injuries - which one was it in this case?

If the damage was cosmetic and didnt affect the frame & drivetrain/engine I would look at the bluebook or edmunds FMV and try and get a few dollars off - if the pictures/report show that there was more extensive damage I would take it to a mechanic (which you should do anyways) for an inspection

 

[J.J.]

Details on the accident? where was the damage - how extensive? was it just a fender bender? if there was insurance report but no police report then depending on the state either it was low $$$ damage and/or no injuries - which one was it in this case?

The owner claims he was forced into a guardrail when someone drove into his lane. The insurance report and pictures were consistant with his claim. The repair was valued @ $2000. They actually replaced the front fender, front wheel and tire, so there is no evidence of an accident.

If the damage was cosmetic and didnt affect the frame & drivetrain/engine I would look at the bluebook or edmunds FMV and try and get a few dollars off - if the pictures/report show that there was more extensive damage I would take it to a mechanic (which you should do anyways) for an inspection

The owner actually took the car to Carmax to have it appraised and he showed me there inspection report. Ther report indicated it passed the 150 point inspection which includes frame damage, paint, tires, engine, etc. There was a whole list of criteria that showed it passed along with the appraisal trade-in price.

I test drove the vehicle and it drove flawlessly. All the records were available for my review as well. We finally settled on $12,500.

I'll think it over for a couple more days.

JJ