Hi Scotty, I have 180k mile 2008 Mazda 3 S sport 2.3L MT with loose front end - struts are shot and it bounces around so much there could be other issues that aren't obvious and hidden by the bad suspension. It has average or above rust issues for a Minnesota car. Local shops have quoted $1,100 minimum for quick struts and sway bar links, but there could be additional repairs. I'm trying to decide: do I drive it until a wheel falls off (yikes), get it fixed, or sell/donate for scrap. If I fix it, I'll likely gift it to my college-age niece who wants to learn to drive a stick. The clutch is original, but still very grippy.
I would sell it myself. It's an older Mazda eith almost 200k miles. That's about the lifespan on those.
If you fix it, there's likely to be more expensive repairs needed in the near future. And it wouldn't be cool to hand it down to someone when its just going to be a headache.
Unfortunately rust has been the achilles heel for Mazdas. Having said that struts and sway bar links aren't that big of a deal. If that is all it needs I would fix it. Plus it would be a perfect car for your niece to learn.
Get a general inspection of the entire vehicle. With a holistic picture, you're likely to make the proper choice.
