Buying advice and VIN sticker locations?

[Bob_Bobber0]

Hey guys, I just checked out a black 02 protege5 here in Atlanta. Wondering if the body panels like fenders and hood are all supposed to have VIN stickers like my miata does? I couldn't locate any except on the driver's side door.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/4071793883.html

First one I have driven, I liked it. It needs brakes and tires. Timing belt apparently done @ 90k.
What is my time frame for clutch?

Car has been sitting for 2 years, claims relatives started it and drove it every once in a while. Battery is new.

Car is super clean inside and out. He wants $4900, I wanna offer $4000. Thoughts?

 

[esnave09]

I know the VIN is supposed to be on the dashboard at the the base of the windshield on the driver's side. You'll see it through the glass. It does say the tires are fairly new though.....
From what I've heard, as long as you're not roasting the clutch at every takeoff they have lasted as long as the car (200k+ miles). So I'd say you shouldn't need to replace it. Does look like a super clean car though! I'd say $4k seems about right though, maybe just a little low. But I'm no expert, seeing as I paid about $2700 too much for my car (coincidentally about $1000 less than what I actually paid). Good luck with it!

 

[915_P5]

Wow that really clean, you best jump on that. I would offer 43 45

 

[pkane]

It does look good, you might also contact mazcare to have them check it out or if they have any knowledge of the vehicle. I was looking at one in that area several years ago they gave me some great advice about the car.

 

[whatusername]

vin locations are on the dash and the drivers door frame also there is one on the pass side firewall that is engraved into the vehicle and cannot be removed like the other 2.. and as far as clutch i bought my p5 with 206k miles and its had the original clutch in it when i replaced it.. The car looks immaculate but dont let looks fool u .. look at the body lines are they straight? hood gaps on both sides light up evenly? how bout bumper sag? and headlight gaps same as hood? also look under the hood ant the iner fenders for rust and crash damage.. i bought mine at night and did not notice it was in a front end collision before till i saw the inner fenders in the daytime

 

[tweety2300]

Also check for chrome radiator and strut tower brackets. Stock is black if its been replaced by Mazda it's chrome

I wasn't easy on mine and at 185k clutch was good. Still chirped 2nd

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

Guy is stuck on $4900...I'm wondering if its clean enough that it's worth picking up even if I gotta put another $1000 into maintenance....

 

[rit14623]

If you get a carfax, you'll at least get to see the ownership history to see if it matches with the owner's story.

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

I'd like to get it inspected as well, there is a reputable mazda shop close to me.

 

[seventystangfan]

That is a great looking P5. I would certainly get it checked out by a Mazda dealer before you buy it. They might even pull up service history on the vehicle for you. Cash-in-hand is always the best way to buy a vehicle, but if he won't budge on price he'll be stuck with it for awhile... ;-)

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

I'm gonna be "stuck" with mine awhile too at prices these are going for. No way am I parting with mine for any 5k. I would hate to see it go for 10k and still miss it like crazy. That car looks to be in great shape. Looks cared for and garage kept. The pin stripe looks goofy but other than that, drive it and see what shape it really is in and then buy it.

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

I drove it two days ago. It was the first P5 I've driven so didn't really have anything to compare it to. It drove well to my experience but did need brakes and tires.

 

[Hank3]

Wonder why the seller stated that tires were good. I would also call Mazda USA to see if any recalls were performed on the vehicle. All they need is the VIN.

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

He says "fairly new" in the ad, but then shows me and says they are about 60% but they are about 20-30%. The brake pedal vibrates when braking at speed which indicates rotor wear, so I'll be replacing the brakes and flushing system all the way around.

Along with the oil, radiator fluid, diff, and anything else needs flushing will be my first maintenance items.

 

[whatusername]

If he is stuck at 4900 offer him 4500 and b firm on it.. tell him u already have to spend money on brakes and tires and fluid exchanges and the car has sat for 2 years in my experience sitting cars do deteriorate also if he wont take 4500 walk away.It helps to have the cash in ur hand when u do this lol

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

What's the number for Mazda? Who do I call, a dealer or what?

*nvm got in touch with them. Didn't have much to say. No recalls, and just a few oil changes on record.

 

[pcb]

What's the number for Mazda? Who do I call, a dealer or what?

I just phoned my local dealer and they used my VIN on their computer to find everything,... I found out my car had struts done, tie rod ends, etc. etc..

I live in Canada but I'm sure it's the same in the states. The guy on the phone has to want to do it though,... my guy spent 25 minutes on the phone with me.

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

They only have records for maintenance done at mazda dealer shops, not individual places or self maintenance.

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

Problem is I dunno if it's worth losing the car over $400 bucks. By far the cleanest I've seen in my short 2 month search. And I browse craigslist up to 500 miles daily. And ebay/autotrade

 

[Bob_Bobber0]

DUUUUUDES!

So I posted a wanted ad on craigslist and got an email from a couple who live in my area with this!

White 2003
Sunroof
1 Owner
115k Miles
All service up to date
Final service and detail tomorrow.

$3950

Pretty sure I'm going to buy this one once I drive it and everything checks out! So stoked, will post pictures once I grab it on Saturday.