Hi so I am currently driving a 2007 Mazda 3 with 143000 miles. During my 4 years of ownership, here is all the work I did:
- New front and back struts, springs
- Driver side wheel bearing
- both front control arms
- the usual maintenance (brakes, rotors, oil changes, etc.)
The engine doesn't burn a lot of oil either (less than half a quart every 5-6k kms)
The clutch is still original and is in mint condition but may need replacement in the next 1-2 years.
Front right bearing also needs to be replaced. Both front CV axles will need to be replaced sooner than later as well
My initial plan is to keep this car for the next 3 years. Now, I am a bit unsure after spending the money to get the wheel bearing replaced. I am also eyeing another car that I could replace this with : 2000 Lexus ES300 from a second owner with 161000 miles with timing belt and pump replaced, head gasket replaced, and oil changes done every 6000 kms. Also comes with dealership service records from the previous first owner who owned it for 15 years.
Should I sell my Mazda 3 and buy the Lexus ES300? Or should I keep it for the next 3 years due to the age of the Lexus?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Only thing I would worry about is the head gasket replacement in the Lexus. If you can have a mechanic go over it thoroughly, and you like the Lexus, and the mechanic gives you the thumbs up, I don’t see a problem. Otherwise, you are simply trading a set of known problems for a set of unknown problems. Rolling the dice and hoping for a good outcome can work out if you’re lucky. Do you feel lucky?
I did not notice if you mentioned the price of the Lexus.
Price of the Lexus is $1800. I can sell my Mazda 3 for $1500.
Yea my plan is to get an inspection done by a mechanic so he can check it for any issues. But if the mechanic checks it off, you don’t see any issue with it?
I would consider the difference in gas mileage and cost of repairs on the Lexus. If you are comfortable with that, and you will enjoy it as a luxury car, why not? I replaced a $500 previa minivan with a $3000 matrix hatchback. For me the deciding factor was the hatchback got about 10 more miles to the gallon. Considering the highway miles I drive, it will pay for itself in less than two years, sooner if gas prices rise.
If you don't mind me asking, how do you guys find Lexuses for $1800? In Oregon, they would ask at least 3 grand for such a car.
For me the deciding factor definitely isn’t the fuel mileage, but the reliability. I don’t want the Lexus to bother me in the future hence I will be showing it to a mechanic before I make a decision on it.
I'd sell the Mazda, but maybe for a different Lexus.
I would sell it. You might get some money out of it.
