Is this a good decision? 03LX2.0 vs 07MS3GT

[farmurr]

I'm looking at getting an 07 CWP MS3 in the very near future - I've been to the dealership several times now to see...errr drool over it and talk with the sales people.

The only thing holding me back, is obviously the $$$. Not so much that I don't have the funds saved (which I do), but just wondering if I am at the critical point in my current car, where it is more economical to ditch it now before any major problems (trans. etc) and get a new, albeit used, car which I am completely in love with?

Here are some specs:
Currently driving 03 Protege LX2.0, with 140,000km. Car runs "ok" but I have put nearly $2000 into it in the last 6 months alone.

Looking at an 07 MS3 GT, can get it for ~$20,000CAD, probably less with some bargaining. Has about 40,000km on it.

So what do you guys think? Please help convince me (and my girlfriend! haha)

 

[farmurr]

(bump) Any help guys?

 

[Breeegz]

sound like you don't need any convincing... as far as the girly-friend is concerned... she's not your wife(yet) and it's your money and car, right?

If you can afford it, go for it... although $20,000 is a buttload to finance IMHO.

If you are carrying a credit card balance, then you probably can't afford it, pay the credit cards..

 

[farmurr]

Thanks for the reply! Just to clarify, I would be paying cash for the car and not financing.

Haha I clearly don't need any convincing, but the girlfriend sure does! She has elaborate long-term real estate plans for what we should do with our money. (Don't get me started on That...haha)

 

[Breeegz]

play the "but its under warranty and I just spent $2000 to keep this one running, what will I have to replace next?" card

 

[Breeegz]

or, "Its my dream car" card

 

[bluelion]

or, "Its my dream car" card

nah, cause if you ever wanna get rid of the speed for whatever reason, she'll throw that in your face... "i thought this was your dream car, why do you wanna get rid of it? " is what she'll say. trust me......that's what i'm hearing.... your dreams change when new, faster cars come out.....

 

[tuOdekcalB]

don't know what km are in miles or the prices in CAD but 20k for and 07 with 40km on it seems high, cant u get like new 09 gts for like 4-5k more or a sport for like 2 k more

 

[karl hungus]

start looking at really impractical / more expensive cars. maybe she'll realize the speed ain't that bad a choice.

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

First, find a better deal, that is high for that mileage and an 08.5. Second, finance half and keep the other half of your money in the bank for future plans. financing half of that wont be bad, $2?? a month or less. Then you have at least met in the middle.

 

[farmurr]

don't know what km are in miles or the prices in CAD but 20k for and 07 with 40km on it seems high, cant u get like new 09 gts for like 4-5k more or a sport for like 2 k more

Sorry boss, I usually convert all my numbers since most members on here are from down south.

07 MS3 has 25,000miles and would cost ~$18,500 USD.

As far as an 09, MSRP is $28,000 USD. Now that I think of it, isn't this the perfect time to get an 09 for cheap before the new '10 comes out? I've never bought a new car before (and neither have my parents) due to depreciation, but what's the general rule for bargaining % below MSRP?

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

28? You can get a 09 GT for 23500 easy if not much cheaper now with limited inventorys.

 

[240ka]

FYI CWP wasnt offered until 08.5 technically its an 09 model

 

[farmurr]

First, find a better deal, that is high for that mileage and an 08.5.

Are the prices really that different between the US and up here? Supply is also super limited - there are only 3 used MS3's for sale in the whole province, and maybe 8-10 in the whole country (according to auto trader). The other 2 for sale in Ontario are also 07's, and cost about 3K more, but have less mileage.

I've actually never even seen an MS3 on the road, only in the dealership (boom04). Specific prices I think might be difficult to compare - how about % below MSRP? I think it's $23K/$25K down there.

 

[boostdog]

i say keep your current car and atleast get some of the $ you just put into it to good use. The economy isn't turning around anytime soon! i realize you aren't in the US but anything could happen! plus what are they wanting to give you for trade in?

 

[Kain]

I would tell her, "What's all that aboot, eh?"

No, it has nothing to do with your situation, but I just love hearing your Canuckistanis talk.

 

[CWPspeed3]

The MS3 cost more in CAN than the US and CWP was offered there before it was offered here to try and clear up some confusion. You can get a new one here between $21-25k so thats why an 07 with 40k km for $20k seems high.

If your going to have to keep sinking money in your car just to keep in running it may not be a bad idea to trade it in on something new but a MS3 with that kind of miles really depends on how the previous owner took care of it.

 

[Shiroi_ms3]

I kind of had to convince my fiance (now wife) about the car as well. I just stuck to the point that it is a 5 door hatchback (can hold a lot of groceries) and it does have a lot of room in the back for future kids and such. the HP and Torque is just an added bonus lol.

 

[farmurr]

...I just love hearing your Canuckistanis talk.

And I love hearin' from Americans who think all Canadians talk like people from rural Newfoundland (canada) (lol)

If your going to have to keep sinking money in your car just to keep in running it may not be a bad idea to trade it in on something new but a MS3 with that kind of miles really depends on how the previous owner took care of it.

Thanks for the advice - I had asked about this, and they are "still looking into" if the motor mounts were changed, oil change records, what octane used etc. I can assume whoever it was knew somewhat what they were doing - the car has 'mazdaspeed' decals on the calipers, window tint, blacked out Mazdaspeed and MPS badge, and front tow plate installed.

All tasteful aesthetic mods which leads me to believe they had some knowledge and good intentions with it.

 

[Breeegz]

I kind of had to convince my fiance (now wife) about the car as well. I just stuck to the point that it is a 5 door hatchback (can hold a lot of groceries) and it does have a lot of room in the back for future kids and such. the HP and Torque is just an added bonus lol.

nicely done