so what should i look for?

[midwayavenue]

so i'm probably getting into a used mazda 3 s hatchback, 2004 with 80k miles..the guy was selling it for 7999 but i got him down to 7200...seems to be in nice condition moon roof, 5spd not sure the exact color but the cars has that electric blue look.. before i make the desicion to buy it is there anything specific i should look for..bad good??? .I don't know too much about mazda3 's.. comming from my 2000 Pontiac Trans Am..that car isnt a great daily driver anymore.and now looking for a something reliable and comfortable to drive..like a mazda 3 for kinda cheap..dont have too much money to spend....so does this sound like a decent deal..? also whats different with the 2.3l engine from 2004 and say 05-06..the reason asking cause on consumer reports the 04 engine (minor problems) in the hatchback didnt do so well compared with the rest of the years just curious why
thanks for any help

 

[my3needsaname]

If the guy has them, ask for the service records. I guess I'm kinda negative (or viewed so) because I have so many problem with my 9 month old Mazda3 hatch GT auto.
I guess when you drive it listen for everything you can and feel for everything you can to make sure it isn't going to do something funky on you later on.

All I can really say is ask where he got it serviced and to see the records.

 

[midwayavenue]

well i got the carfax..checked everything..the only thing that was wrong was the cd player..it doesnt work like a cd is stuck in it or something..so i did pick up the car for a great deal..i love it..comfortable, handles great, new clutch and new kumo tires..i like it so far..hopefully i can figure out something with the cd player...so yeah i own a mazda 3 s hatchback..

 

[Captain KRM P5]

welcome to the family

 

[GoFast]

congrats and welcome to the boards!

 

[my3needsaname]

Coolio! Sport, grand touring?