I bought a 2008 Mazda 3 with 175k miles on it for only $1,700. A mechanic checked it and the transmission is still in good condition and the engine is in perfect condition as well. Has minor rust with no A/C compressor, a bad 02 sensor and it needs new front suspension. Other than that the car is very strong and has no strange noises, no leaks, and doesn't burn oil. It does have minor wear that needs to be fixed up, but was it overall a good purchase?
I have 2007 Mazda 3 with 157k miles. Unfortunately it is rusting now, but I can blame that on Minnesota winters. Engine and transmission have been rock solid for me. I had to deal with suspension issues too. I replaced my front struts and that solved my odd tire wear problem. I did the work myself, kind of a heavy duty job for me but I got it done and saved lots of money. Don’t drive it hard, and you could still have a lot more life left in that car
That is so interesting because in the past I used to own a 2006 Mazda 3 and it was completely rusted out. Even though the engine and transmission was in perfect condition, the suspension was completely messed up. One of the rear shocks snapped out and broke in half. The front struts were bad and 4 sway bar links clunked. This one I got also has a bad front suspension, and to hear someone else facing thr exact same problem is funny to me. I have a 2012 Mazda 3 and they fixed all of that, but the ones made in 2004-2009 had bad suspension and rust problems. But things like that can be fixed and I also am from Minnesota 👍🏻
Sure. $1700 is nothing for a good car that runs and drives. Congrats!
Thanks!
Yeah! You got a good price for a car that works. That is always a win.
That's like what ... 5 average lease payments on a new car?
So, if it runs 6 months trouble free you have covered your costs.
Sounds like a winner to me. Best of luck!
Thanks man!
Lets say renting a compact car is $25 a day so that is 68 days. If it lasts more than a few months you got your moneys worth, but I doubt it will fall apart that soon. Any running and driving car where the powertrian is in good shape for 1500 bucks or so is a good deal as long as it is not a Fiat, and believe me Mazda is no where close.
