Buying a used 3....advice?

[jthrockmorton]

So after budgeting and figuring out my college payments, it looks like my new job isn't going to pay enough for me to get a new 3, so I'm gonna go used.

Any suggestions on what to look for? I've searched the forum and found that the motor mounts seem to be a constant problem, but is there anything else? The 3s on my list to check out all are in the 60,000-80,000 mile range.

Any advice would be awesome. Thanks, guys!

 

[bbrich57]

1) Maintenance and repair records if at all possible would be first.
2) Motor mounts, especially the fluid filled RS upper mount. In 8 yrs/72k miles I've only had mine replaced once, under warranty.
3) If looking into automatic cars, the '04-'05 autos had a hard 1st-2nd shifting problem that was supposed to be taken care of by a reflash of the PCM.
4) Listen for any noise from the front end when steering. Some say the upper strut bearing are weak. Again, I've never had a problem with mine. And if an '08-'09, make sure the PS pump has been replaced or at least checked. I know many that had them replace and a few that never experienced any problems.
5) Check for rear brake wear in the pads and rotors. Look for a deep lip worn into the rotor.
6) Uneven rear tire wear. Expect to spend about $200 to install adjustable rear camber arms and another $80-$90 for a full 4-wheel alignment, but its well worth the cost in tire saving alone.

Basically, I've had only two real problems since my car was new. The first was a MAF sensor that was replaced under warranty. And the second was a evap purge valve that cost me $350 in parts and labor when it was just out of warranty. No give for that one. The part, a small plastic check valve with a 12" hose attached, cost $186. The rest was labor... for diagnosis and a 10 min R&R.

 

[jthrockmorton]

Thank you!

 

[bbrich57]

You're welcome. I hope it helps you to pick a good one.

 

[imadad89]

Wanna buy mine? Lol. 85k!

 

[jthrockmorton]

Haha thanks for the offer. I'm actually going next week to check one out. Will have to bring along a buddy though since it's a stick shift and I don't yet know how to drive one (it's been my New Years resolution for the last two years but none of my friends who drive them are willing to let me try). Thanks, everyone, for all the info, though-- I'll be sure to check the motor mounts, power steering pump, and brakes. I'll let you guys know what ends up happening

 

[iJustWannaDrive]

I'm jealous of you. The 3 I'm about to buy has 101k on it. Anything under that was an automatic....and I hate automatics.