Mazda6 rental?

[Clarkbug]

Hey everyone.

I am relatively new to the forum, and had joined up because I was looking at buying a Protege5 and wanted some info. (Great site, btw, friendly and helpful people all the way around).

Anyway, one of the specials at my local dealer is a 2003 Mazda6i for like 14000 with 15k miles on it. I was wondering why it was so cheap, and I see that it was a previous rental. I havent even gone to look at it or anything, but Im wondering, are they worth it? I mean, its hardly any miles, but I also know that 15k rental miles is probably equal to double that in real miles.

Also, I dont really know anything about the 6, as I had always thought it was too expensive and would look more towards a 3 anyway. So, any helpful information to offer to a newbie? And has anyone ever done the buy a rental thing before?

Thanks in advance!

~Bug

 

[mp3josh]

rentals= not well maintained cars. People like to trash their loaners.

 

[Clarkbug]

Yeah, I was worried about that sort of thing. I mean, I dont usually rent ever, and I know some people flog them pretty well. But would a 6 still be worth it even after being a rental for a while? Plus with only 15k miles on it? Any thoughts?

~Bug

 

[wongpres]

It's really hard to say, it's a trade-off between price and condition. You'd have to really check out the condition and see if it's worth the price (and we, on the forum, don't know either of these factors). Also, you mention Mazda3 would have been another option - Mazda3 obviously being smaller so you also have to examine what type of car (larger or smaller) better suits your needs.

 

[Necessity]

14k for a 6i auto isn't exactly a stellar deal to begin with. My loaded 6s may fetch me 15k if I sold it now.

My reccomendation is to find a private sellar.

1 - Stick with a manual if you choose the 6i
2 - Stick the a manual anyway

The 6 is a fine car, and even 15k rental miles should be nothing as long as the oil was changed a few times. The suspension is pretty beefy and it still falls WELL under warranty.

A used 6, however, is a great deal for the price. You get a lot of car for very little money. Mazda's poor resale value will benifit anyone who chooses to buy one with a few miles on it

 

[genericuser]

first of all, welcome!!!

secondly, I'd search autotrader and ebaymotors if you're dedicated to buying a used 6.. there is kind of a stigma about buying former rental cars. (I seem to remember jeff foxworthy's bit about rental cars... "you've got a ford fiesta in there that's gonna see more time than a skateboard at the x-games" and "Buying a used rental car is like going to a house of ill repute to find a wife!") Anywho, that's my advice. And if you decide you want a new car and the 6 is out of reach, the 3 isn't a bad option at all. Originally I ordered a 3 but I ended up walking out of the dealer with my 6 hatch..

In short, whichever mazda you may end up with.... This is your place!!!

 

[Clarkbug]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.

Yeah, I was sorta worried about the rental thing myself....but then again my family has purchased several of them in the past and both were great cars, lasted for years.

Each car is gonna be different, so I would have to drive it anyway to see if it was really flogged hard or just sorta wanted to be off the lot.

However, it is apparently a moot point, as I checked out the dealer's page and its no longer for sale.... I guess it wasnt to be.

But I am still on the trail of things.... Ill make sure to head back here regardless of the vehicle...

Thanks again everyone!

~Bug

 

[Da 6]

manual!