buying sight unseen

[sychak]

I'm looking to purchase a 2008 Mazda 3 VIN # JM1BK32G281785710 ..
what do i need to know before purchasing this vehicle from out of state?

Is there anything about 2008 mazda 3's i should know about before buying?


Thanks for any input.

 

[flash75]

Is it a new car from a dealer? If used did you get a Carfax on the car? Dealer or private sale? Have you done any research on the Mazda 3?

Tell us what you already know about a Mazda 3 to get a better response to your question. You should have already done enough research on the car to know what you are purchasing, especially when buying sight unseen.

I like my 08 Mazda 3, but I have only 12k miles on it. Tires seem to wear quicker on it than some other cars I have owned. The original tires are very soft.

Clifton

 

[sychak]

Sorry for the lack of info.
Yes its from a dealer. Used with 16k mi on it.
I've been interested in buying a mazda 3 for a while and test drove an 09 in the past.

What's different about the 08 vs the 09?

Also what's better...carfax or autocheck?

 

[GoFast]

Carfax is decent I have used it before. It will come with the balance of the factory warranty as well so if there is anything wrong, it should be covered.

 

[tschatzinger]

difference between 08 and 09...black piano trim. that's the only thing i can think of off the top of my head right now. i think the driver seat may have power seats too?

 

[BlackCherry06]

Are you going to pick it up yourself? If so, don't sign anything or give anyone any money until you are there to inspect it personally. There are plenty of nasty surprises that can be present, that don't show on Carfax. Someone could've driven it over a curb at high speed, gotten it fixed, traded it in, and that would not show on Carfax.

I'm picky about paint condition, wheel scrapes, chips in the glass...well, pretty much anything cosmetic. Dealers, private sellers, etc. all tend to conveniently leave out the small details either because they don't notice them, or they just want to make the sale and don't consider them to be a factor.

If it were me, I'd find a way to make a personal inspection happen. If it looks good, your trip wasn't wasted. If it's not good, restrict your shopping to local.

 

[sychak]

Yeah I'm going to get it myself this Saturday.

Everything seems good so far. The dealer even sent me like 20+ pics of the car..close ups of all things (including the tires which don't even look like they've hit the road).

Ill certainly be inspecting every inch and then be taking it to our mechanic the next day (well Monday) when we bring it into town.

Thanks for the advice!