Looking for advice

[Airgetlamh]

I recently got into a car accident and my 04 3i sedan was deemed a total loss...(******* ppl in NJ can't drive for s***)
I'm looking into getting another 3 but it's a bit high on mileage. 04 3s Hatch 114k for $6500.
1 owner and clean carfax. (I'd post links but my work has a filter )

 

[TRUE]

well if it looks clean, runs good and all that jazz i would say get it. but i would definitely try n talk them down to $5500 ish, $6500 is a little to steep for the mileage! also make sure all regular maintenance and warranty crap has been done!

 

[superdoughboy4]

I'd try to go for the more recent models mainly due to less mileage. It's just better to have a car with less mileage.

 

[TRUE]

ultimately less mileage is the way to go. BUT you can find some really nice and clean cars out there with higher mileage!

 

[fam]

That is high mileage even for its year (19k a year roughly). That means it has to be a lot of highway.

The 2.3's arent hondas, they dont last forever.Even though there are several threads with people blowing their engines up, There is also a high mileage thread somewhere on here I believe with some folks near 200k.

Keep in mind my 08 touring hatch with leather\automatic booked for 17500, I paid 13500 for it...do not pay anywhere near book, its not that kind of market right now.

 

[Airgetlamh]

Yeah, this car looks that it was taken care of very well (aesthetically). Plus it has Leather, moonroof, bose sound system... all the bells and whistles.
I guess ultimately, it'll come down to how it drives.... car can look great but feel like s*** lol.

 

[fam]

yeah drive it. I have owned 3 3's, and 3 5's. A common issue from all that ive owned (including a new 04 HB as well) is they start to roar over time. Bearings, tires, and wheels as the wheels are waaayyyy too easy to warp on standard NW OHIO\ MI driving. If she is smooth and doesnt roar, shifts good, and has no leaks I would say 6-6500 is a good deal.

 

[shilo0687]

i've put almost 30K on my 05 since i got it which was april of 09. had 48k when i bought, thing runs great and haven't had any issues with bearings or anything. although my a/c blew right after i got it.

 

[Airgetlamh]

Well I went to test drive the car and apparently they forgot i was coming and sent the car out for service. (It needs a new speed sensor)
I came back a few days later and the car was back, but not fixed. Adding to that, the seams between the back bumper and side panels had started to rust.
I'm currently looking at an 07 3i Sport with 59k on it. Dealer was asking for 10900 but I got him to lower it to 10k even. Going tomorrow to test drive it.

 

[shilo0687]

stick or auto?

 

[Airgetlamh]

Auto