Need some help deciding if I want to buy a used mazda 2

Johntaig

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kia sportage
So, I'm looking for a new (used) car I've been very interested in a 2012 mazda 2 touring being sold at a lot near me it's got 59k miles on it, and being sold for 9900. I've test driven it a few times I really like the car, really fun to drive. Seems to check out with the history report. I want to know your guy's experience with them as unbiased as possible, I want this car to last me a long time, and I plan to do a lot of long road trips in it. So keep that in mind. Also if you guys could give me an idea on potential problems I should look for when inspecting it that'd be great. But yeah what are your experience with these long term, long trips, etc... Thanks so much!
 
Mazda 2 is cool but, that one is 60k (out of warranty basically). You can get a new Mirage for slightly more (or the same used), with more options, and better mpg, 10yr/100kmi. Typically you will be able to get better financing on a new car too. If you aren't paying cash. Otherwise, I would look at lesser mileage 2's and see what the price premium is. Are you doing a trade in?
 
Mazda 2 is cool but, that one is 60k (out of warranty basically). You can get a new Mirage for slightly more (or the same used), with more options, and better mpg, 10yr/100kmi. Typically you will be able to get better financing on a new car too. If you aren't paying cash. Otherwise, I would look at lesser mileage 2's and see what the price premium is. Are you doing a trade in?

Thanks, I'll look in to those. $9900 dollars is pretty much at the top of my price range. It is covered by the dealer warranty (I'll have to find out the details of that). I can't really find any mazda 2s with less miles on them around here at a good price. I was wondering if the mazda 2s generally last people a long time. I don't see many people with over 100k miles on their mazda 2s. I'll be trading in a car that's basically worthless. lol
 
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Well my 2012 has 64k miles on it and is still running as perfect as the day I got it. Ive got a lot of mods and drive him hard. I haven't ran into any problems so far, all stock stuff ive replaced was to upgrade but was all in great condition when taken off the car. Most haven't hit 100k yet because they are still so new. 2011 and up so to hit that high of miles is a long goal.
 
I would shop around a bit more for one with less mileage on it, at least. They're cracking little cars, and you won't be disappointed. From what I've read, the 2 is a very reliable car with no major problems. That information influenced my own purchase. If possible financially, maybe shop around and see if any local Mazda dealers have 2s left on the lot. It will cost you a couple thousand dollars more, but you'd have a brand new car with a warranty, and they may be willing to do a deal.
 
Well my 2012 has 64k miles on it and is still running as perfect as the day I got it. Ive got a lot of mods and drive him hard. I haven't ran into any problems so far, all stock stuff ive replaced was to upgrade but was all in great condition when taken off the car. Most haven't hit 100k yet because they are still so new. 2011 and up so to hit that high of miles is a long goal.


Oh I know I was just saying since pretty much nobody has made it that far yet it's hard to tell how far it'll take me buying one already at 59k. Have you taken it on any long road trips in it? Any mountain driving? If so how does it do on the mountain roads?
 
I would shop around a bit more for one with less mileage on it, at least. They're cracking little cars, and you won't be disappointed. From what I've read, the 2 is a very reliable car with no major problems. That information influenced my own purchase. If possible financially, maybe shop around and see if any local Mazda dealers have 2s left on the lot. It will cost you a couple thousand dollars more, but you'd have a brand new car with a warranty, and they may be willing to do a deal.

I wish I could afford to buy a new one :\
I'm already pushing it getting something at $9900
 
Well I did just find a 2013 mazda2 with 47k miles on it for 9500 though I'll have to drive 2 hours to get it.
 
Have you taken it on any long road trips in it? Any mountain driving? If so how does it do on the mountain roads?

I drove my family from NGA to SFL (around 24 hours roundtrip) multiple times without issue. As far as mountain roads go, if you need to tow something it might not work out well. Other than that, these cars eat up tight windy mountain roads like a fat kid with a cupcake. Even in stock form, they are a blast. That 2013 does sound like a better deal, especially if its a touring model.
 
I drove my family from NGA to SFL (around 24 hours roundtrip) multiple times without issue. As far as mountain roads go, if you need to tow something it might not work out well. Other than that, these cars eat up tight windy mountain roads like a fat kid with a cupcake. Even in stock form, they are a blast. That 2013 does sound like a better deal, especially if its a touring model.

Thanks! That's really helpful. I doubt I'd ever need to tow something in it. It is a touring model. Though it's being sold by hertz so it used to be a rental car which worries me a little. But you can rent it for 3 days before you buy it, so I'd be able to take it to my mechanic friend and have him check it out.
 
It can take a while, but if you keep looking, you can find a better deal. It took me about 2 months to find my '13 with 8600 miles for $10,000. I made an offer right after the test drive. Don't pass up a great deal. Private sellers are cheaper, but don't offer warranties.

The one for 9900 near you, ask to see the maintenance records. If there's evidence that the oil was changed at least every 7500 miles, it should last a long while. The only major problem that might happen is the steering rack/low speed clunk. There are threads on this forum. Parking maneuvers will indicate any problems there.
 
It can take a while, but if you keep looking, you can find a better deal. It took me about 2 months to find my '13 with 8600 miles for $10,000. I made an offer right after the test drive. Don't pass up a great deal. Private sellers are cheaper, but don't offer warranties.

The one for 9900 near you, ask to see the maintenance records. If there's evidence that the oil was changed at least every 7500 miles, it should last a long while. The only major problem that might happen is the steering rack/low speed clunk. There are threads on this forum. Parking maneuvers will indicate any problems there.

Alright, thank you! That's all very helpful information! Holy s*** you are lucky with that deal. I'd love to find one like that.
 
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Also, try to find a certified pre-owned example through a Mazda dealer, if it's in your price range. Even if it's a couple of years old, you get an extended warranty. I believe it's 10 years/100k miles from the original purchase date. The 2 from Hertz? I would keep looking. Rental cars are used like disposable plates. Definitely shop a bit, and don't settle. There are plenty out there.
 
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I know I'm not real close(4hrs from Elkhart) but if you're interested I can look a car over for you. I'm a 9yr master tech and work on all makes/models used, have seen about everything.


FWIW my 2 has been problem free from 36k miles to now(50k).

Most of the common problems were fixed after the 2011 year, the biggest being the steering rack.

Only issues I've ever seen from 2s through my shop is a leaking oil pan gasket and a failed window switch(both on the same car, and I think something was spilled inside the switch). Of the maybe hundred Mazda2s we've had come through, that's not bad at all.
 
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