Looking at 04 3 today

[whitety]

Well I have been looking around for a protege5 and couldn't really find one (the one I had lined up got taken from me). So looking at Autotrader a few minutes ago I see a black 3 5pd with 74k miles. I'm about to go look at it right now. Link is here >>http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=248562863&dealer_id=55049698&car_year=2004&num_records=25&model=MAZDA3&systime=&make2=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&first_record=101&make=MAZDA&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=75080&advanced=&end_year=2009&pager.offset=100&transmission=&doors=&max_price=&cardist=16
I hope it's everything it seems to be...because if it is I'm going to try to grab it tonight. I just sold my '92 GMC Typhoon so I'm looking for a good replacement. Are there any major things I should look for, and also are there any major things I will have to replace before 100k miles comes? Thanks

Eric

 

[brunoxmatoss]

Congratulations on the find!

3's tend to be extremely reliable in general, just look for basic wear and tear, dont rush into buying a car that has been abused. Besides, you can probably always find another 3 for less miles.


the only real problem that the 3 has is the 3rd rear motormount "minor issue"
i wouldnt worry about it too much, but you should take it to the dealer for a quick inspection if you purchase it. also, make sure that all oil changes were made on time (2thumbs)

 

[rayarnold]

Congratulations on the find!
the only real problem that the 3 has is the 3rd rear motormount "minor issue" ...

Not to hijack the thread or anything, but what is this issue?

 

[angelssunset05]

i have 74k on an 05 and ive had no problems but a fuel pump had to be replaced twice. the 04 was the first year of the 3 so theres been some bugs worked out since then. i love my 3 but one of my *other* forum members that leased his 04 3 hb had problem with the head scraping the cylinder. so his engine is gone. just be careful. ide try and stick with an 05+

 

[brunoxmatoss]

Not to hijack the thread or anything, but what is this issue?

basically our rear motormounts "the one closest to the driver" is a liquid filled mount that snaps easily. the result could be other motor mounts going bad if abused too much.


most people swap it out for a streetuint mount, or motor mount inserts. i think my mount may be bad. but i havent noticed any difference from when i first got it. if it is bad, i probably wont even bother to change it for a while considering i cant even tell.

 

[Raymo853]

The Autotrader listed car looks ok, but a little overpriced considering it is a 5 speed. Maybe Dallas it is less so but around DC 5 speeds never seem to sell from dealers so they are very happy to negotiate, or very unhappy but forced to do it after it sits on the lot for weeks.

A black car in Texas. Ouch my hands burn just thinking about it.

 

[hworth18]

The Autotrader listed car looks ok, but a little overpriced considering it is a 5 speed. Maybe Dallas it is less so but around DC 5 speeds never seem to sell from dealers so they are very happy to negotiate, or very unhappy but forced to do it after it sits on the lot for weeks.

A black car in Texas. Ouch my hands burn just thinking about it.

I find it isn't a black car, but the black leather interior that sizzles my backside in 104deg heat. Although I have found that using a sunshade greatly reduces the temp and also helps the A/C work much faster.