thinking of a purchase

[beavis]

i am thinking on purchasing a p5. just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what to look for when purchasing??
(drive)

 

[90210brandon]

New or used? Must be used right?

 

[chuyler1]

You can prolly still find some new ones at the bigger dealerships...I would attempt to find a new one before considering used...you'll get a much better deal.

 

[sfradkin]

i got a new one around the beginning of january. they're getting very low on stock, though. the good thing was that i got a fantastic deal because they want to get rid of what's left.

antilock brakes and side airbags as an option on one is pretty scarce, though. at the time i got mine, there were only 7 left with a manual transmission in the midwest.

 

[sgryzko]

Make sure you know all about the car. I have heard some people say that they wish they had bought Pontiac Vibes but I am definitely happy with the P5. Some of the smaller things that you should know are that the vanity mirrors dont have lights (which can be annoying), and that the tires are pretty bad in wet and cold.

 

[chuyler1]

There aren't many used ones out their either so if you're looking for specific packages or colors, you may be better of buying a Mazda3.

 

[mcstark]

Or roll the dice like I did...got a loaded P5 and it happened to be black. Of course, I bought mine in Sept, but still picked it up at invoice minus the rebate.

And the tires aren't that bad...they aren't the greatest, but drive like a normal person and you'll be fine. Just realize your limits.... Otherwise, try to get some snowies thrown in by the dealer -- what are they gonna say? No???

 

[PeaB0dy]

If getting used, use a service like carfax.com, check up on the car..

If some one does a check on my old car, carfax shows it as being reported stolen. It will cost you $20, or get the owner to throw that in as part of the deal.

Also, if used, you may get a better price on a private sale than from a dealershit, but if you can, buy new, so you don't have to deal with some one elses problems..

 

[Mike R]

Carfax is Ok, but doesn't show hardly anything. I ran a couple cars of mine and a few of my friends. My old Marquis came up clean, and from looking at the car it had been hit damn hard and had frame damage, and at least a front 3/4 replaced. Just look at everything really well.

 

[davco]

Try and see about getting some kind of warranty. We got ours in Oct. with 25,000 miles on it. Plus 100,000 mile warranty that doesn't expire until 2009. I'm not sure if this was just offered at the dealership here our nationwide.

 

[beavis]

i am going to go hit up my dealership today to see if they have any in stock.
I really hope they have one. but if i can find one still under warranty????
i am really sick of fixing my wifes broken down olds. that thing is crap...
(MSP car payment-350)
(Olds repair bill over the last two months -750) (protest)

 

[mcstark]

You can do that through Mazda's website...there's an option to search dealer inventory. Find one you like, punch it up in Edmunds and find they're selling for.'

A little trick...test drive the one you like, talk about price a little bit, then ask to drive the new 3. Act like you are more interested in the 3, to get them to drop the price on the P5. Unless, of course, they give you an awesome deal from the get-go.

 

[BadApple]

you should just buy one from one of the guys on this thread, at least then you would allready have custom stuff done to it!!!

 

[ards]

You need to test drive one before making the purchase. I tried one and pushed it to its limits especially in corners. I just loved cornering.

 

[mcstark]

ards...can't wait until Spring. Got a buddy with an Eclipse GT (V6) who wants to race me. I'm not that stupid, but want to hit some rarely travelled backroads and show him what handling is really about. Especially once I put some Eibach Prokits on!!!!

 

[ards]

You'll definitely love the handling of this car. Enjoy.