Would you buy a Mazda3 with 42,000 miles?

[Rot 911]

Wife really likes the Mazda 3 Hatchback. Found a 2004 that has all the options she wants and is in like new condition, but has 42,000 miles. Warranty runs out on the powertrain at 48,000 miles. Would the mileage be a deal breaker for you? I always think of miles between 40,000 to 70,000 as being the sweet spot for a car. That is, things that were wrong when new have been fixed and other things really don't wear out until 100K or so. But what says the group?

[Joeaksa]

Why not? I have a 1991 Honda Accord with 225,000 miles on it and its still going strong. If a car is taken care of it should last.

[azasadny]

I would buy the car...

[Moneyguy1]

Most cars today are barely broken in at 42k. THe only disclaimer would be abuse and total neglect. Take it to a reputable shop and pay for a PPI. That might ease your mind a bit.

[TGTIW]

I would check the car out. The Mazda3's with the 2.3 have a habit of cracking the oil filter housing, causing rapid and severe oil loss.

[Rot 911]

Thanks guys!

[the]

If you wanted, you could always get an extended warranty. Four more years, 100K miles, probably wouldn't be that expensive.

Try Warranty Direct.

[vash]

this will probably be my next daily driver...the mazdaspeed version looks fun.

kurt, how much is the used one going for? just curious.

[rammstein]

For the right price, I'd do it. Drove one at a Mazda event. They had put on stiffer springs and performance tires. It was a thoroughly entertaining wehicle, I liked it a lot. Would make a super daily driver.

Nice interior too.

[Dave L]

I have a Protege5 with 170,000Km on it and it has been a great work car. The car has only had 1 issue, a frozen rear caliper which was a known issue with the P5. Based on the lack of issues I bought a Mazda3 for my wife. It only has 5000KM so its a little early to say about maintenance but its a nice little car. I would buy the Mazda3 and try and have the dealer throw in the warranty to close the deal.

[wludavid]

Originally posted by Kurt V
I always think of miles between 40,000 to 70,000 as being the sweet spot for a car. That is, things that were wrong when new have been fixed and other things really don't wear out until 100K or so.

Also, 42k isn't too many miles to make up for undone maintenance on the gearbox, diff, cooling system -- the kind of things that can cause damage to hard parts if not done.

I am pro-Mazda3. The only thing I don't like is the stupidly-sized 17x6.5 wheels. 16" wheels will fit over the brakes if you want cheaper, more comfy tires.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by vash
kurt, how much is the used one going for? just curious.

They are wanting around $14K which is a reasonable price. Will probably take it for a test drive later this week and keep it overnight to give it a good inspection.

[vash]

wow, i would buy it at that price. good luck, kurt.

[rammstein]

I don't think anyone asked yet- is it a 3i or a 3s?

The S has a 2.3L 4, and the i has something like 1.9L.

For a nicely equipped S, that price sounds delicious.

[wludavid]

2004 Hatchbacks only came in S trim.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by wludavid
2004 Hatchbacks only came in S trim.

You are correct. Here is a picture I stole off the internet that shows what it looks like. I plan on taking it for a test drive and inspection tomorrow.

[Joeaksa]

Kurt,

Not to hijack the thread but what ever happened with your laptop and the job?

Hope both worked out ok!

Joe A

[rammstein]

Originally posted by wludavid
2004 Hatchbacks only came in S trim.

Oh.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Kurt,
Not to hijack the thread but what ever happened with your laptop and the job?
Hope both worked out ok!
Joe A

I've got a part time legal job that runs out the end of this month if they don't extend the contract.

As for the laptop, bad video card. Even worse it is part of the motherboard. I had the computer guys work on recovering the hard drive, but for some reason they only got about a third of what was on there. Wish I knew how to do it myself.

[Craig 930 RS]

Excellent car. Oil change records are a BIG plus.....