Buying a high-mileage 2005 mazda3 hatchback today! Need Advice!

[Bob_Bobber0]

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/4009250225.html

I'll picking this up today for $5000. Good deal? I talked to the guy for almost an hour (we're both miata owners). He seems honest and good people. What should I look for problem wise with this?

I'm new to the mazda3, just sold my protege5.

 

[hornsfan10609]

Personally I am a protege guy but with a newer clutch and motor I would probably trust that 3.

 

[njaremka]

sounds expensive to me for an 8 year old car with a second motor...

 

[vladv]

sounds expensive to me for an 8 year old car with a second motor...

^ This. You may try to lower the price, I got mine (SP23 version) 2 weeks ago with 121K on odo for 5K even.

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

All the 3's in my area seem to be in the $6000+ range... :/

and none manual...

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

Yea so checked out the. Interior was kinda trashed, dirty in and out. Worn steering wheel and shifter nob. Dirty as hell trunk, driver seat bolster wear and seem was separating in the middle.

One headlight was clean and fender on that side didn't align....

One of the #@$?$/$ valve cover bolts was loose. Shaking around while engine was idling and oil was leaking that section of the valve cover.

Front brakes were done. Shocks were shot. Sounded like it needed a wheel bearing somewhere.

Overall very disappointing. He offered $4250 I said hell no.

Too bad really, manual hatches seem to be so rare... Search continues...

 

[vladv]

Yeah, just keep looking, I was hunting mine about a month, though it's an auto, cause it is for my wife, she can't drive stick. It came pretty clean and good shape, the only things it needed is 2 new tires and a motor mount.

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

UPDATE:

I picked up this 2007 Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatchback this weekend. 123k miles, 1-Owner from South Carolina. New tires/brakes, no accidents, black leather interior is crazy clean!! Only a minor dent on roof I can pop out, and needs a rear passenger side tailight and front fog light (if anyone has one lemme know).

Drives real well, pulls to the right a little and a little vibration around 65mph..motor mount?

Best part... I paid ONLY $4800!!!! Such a deal!!!