Considering a 2008 model, what to watch out for?

[Veik]

I am considering a 2008 model, with just over 25,000 odo on it.
One owner, who is moving and needs it to go.
The steering recall has NOT been performed on it, yet.

They are asking $14K for it.

Fair? Too much?

Major problem areas with that year?

Thanks

 

[Silentnoise713]

Is this a Sport, Touring, GT? Makes a big difference. Here's a ‘general’ rule of thumb I like to follow, use at your own discretion. Take base MSRP, subtract $1K for every year old and $1 for every 10K miles. Then you start to deduct for problems and damage that needs fixing. There's also a $1K-$2K deduction b/c this is older model and factors like if this is a popular car has to be considered as they retain value (eg. Prius). Have you checked kbb.com, edmunds.com, nada.com??

3 leftover 2010 Mazda 5 Touring automatics!!!! This is a rare find! If you are interested this is what they have in them: cargo net, all weather floor mats, interior cargo cover, auto-dimming mirror with compass & home link, sirius satellite radio with a 6 month free subscription and wheel locks! The MSRP is $23260, the sale price is $18689 + tax and tags.

I received this email from my local dealer in the beginning of this month. Not sure if they are gone but if you PM me I can forward you the email and you can give them a try.

EDIT: I assumed WDC = Washigton DC? I'm 3hrs north.

 

[Heat]

Automatic or manual transmission? Canadian or US dollars (I don't know what WDC means, other than Western Digital Corporation).

Anyway, the '08 was a good model year, as were '09 and '10. Avoid '06 / '07. Check the tires for wear before buying, you might need to buy new tires in the near future (OEM tires were performance tires which don't have much tread life). And ask about maintenance records.

Is $14,000 a fair price? Don't know, really kind of depends on what trim line it is and the transmission. I wouldn't pay that much for it - I would rather pay a few thousand more and get a new '11 but my preference is to buy new.

 

[Veik]

USD
Touring
WDC = Washington DC

 

[njaremka]

we have an an '08 GT, and the problems we have had...
- rear struts seems to not like life and self-desctruct every 25-30k miles
- the radio cd changer has been replaced 3 times for not loading cd's or responding to inputs
- power steering recall, obviously
- rear vent blower motor died at about 32k miles

other than that, its been a fantastic car.

$14,000 seems a bit steep for a touring model. but, if the seller is motivated, you might be able to get it for less.

 

[thaxman]

If he's got service receipts, maybe I would talk him down a little. No proof of service? talk him down alot. Its only 27K mi, but those 1st 10,000 are the most crucial, and records prove he took care of it with anal precision!

 

[flcruising]

We paid $12,900 for our '08 Touring last February with only 12k miles (26k now) just to give you an idea. Had to have 1 shock replaced and I've had to lube all the sway bar bushing because they like to squeak. That's all beside the power steering recall performed.

 

[Robotazky]

Is this a Sport, Touring, GT? Makes a big difference. Here's a ‘general’ rule of thumb I like to follow, use at your own discretion. Take base MSRP, subtract $1K for every year old and $1 for every 10K miles. Then you start to deduct for problems and damage that needs fixing. There's also a $1K-$2K deduction b/c this is older model and factors like if this is a popular car has to be considered as they retain value (eg. Prius). Have you checked kbb.com, edmunds.com, nada.com??


I received this email from my local dealer in the beginning of this month. Not sure if they are gone but if you PM me I can forward you the email and you can give them a try.

EDIT: I assumed WDC = Washigton DC? I'm 3hrs north.

My car, two years old, by your formula would cost more than I paid for it new.

 

[Robotazky]

We paid $12,900 for our '08 Touring last February with only 12k miles (26k now) just to give you an idea. Had to have 1 shock replaced and I've had to lube all the sway bar bushing because they like to squeak. That's all beside the power steering recall performed.

Which is no more than I've had to do with a brand new one doing my own maintenance.

 

[Rockin03mp5]

we have an an '08 GT, and the problems we have had...
- rear struts seems to not like life and self-desctruct every 25-30k miles
- the radio cd changer has been replaced 3 times for not loading cd's or responding to inputs
- power steering recall, obviously
- rear vent blower motor died at about 32k miles

other than that, its been a fantastic car.

$14,000 seems a bit steep for a touring model. but, if the seller is motivated, you might be able to get it for less.

Similar here. Glad to know the stereo problem is had by others, but mine always fixes itself eventually. It will just stop working. Can't turn it off, change function, or anything. It will just decide to work again eventually... always before we get it in to the dealership. It has been fine (knock on wood) for over a year now though. If it ever goes, hello aftermarket with BT!

Also, 35000 miles on my 08, and new rear struts needed and a front, passenger wheel bearing with the axle. Supposidly the 2010's have an updated strut design, so that is why i got for a replacement. We shall see how well that works.

The stock tires tend to not last longer than 30K as well. If they are already replaced, then that is for the best.

The power steering recall should be done as soon as possible. Im not sure why more havent. Mine was the first to get in at my dealership. Made the whine of the power steering go away completely.

Oh, and also, my transmission case wasnt sealed completely, and was leaking. They had to reseal that as well. (i checked the fluid level often and i didnt lose much, it was more of an ooze than a leak)

And my drivers window motor made noise. Another replacement.

Wow, ive had a lot of problems... I love my 5, but my warranty is almost up here...