[911Freak]

Originally Posted by rammstein

The car in question:
http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/default.html?AVi=2&id=5650553&AS=AAAEAA

My buying parameters changed again, and this is looking like the hot ticket. Nationally competitive in H-Stock, and with a hatch, it can hold my 2 dogs. Yes, 2. We got a second dog. I need to start a whole new thread on that at some point. But the Mazda 3 seems to fit the bill quite nicely. I am just suprised that used versions held value so well.

This one in particular interests me, as it is the most stripped version, and has no sunroof (good for autocross weight, and good for less junk I don't need breaking). The plan would be to buy it, put on some Konis (allowed in Stock), get a second set of wheels with some nice R-Comps, and have some freakin fun for a change. Wife has signed off on this, so now its a matter of finding a good one.

Checking this car on Edmunds it looks like an "ok" deal, if you don't mind the dealer making a tidy profit (IMO)

However

If you take into consideration what they paid for it (wholesale auction or tradein) they are stillmaking some decent profit (they probably paid less than the $9k shown on Edmunds, more realisticly < $7k )

Carmax's no negotiation policy (no haggle) benefits Carmax under the guise of benefiting the consumer by eliminating the "greasy car salesman" factor (little unfair stereotype IMO as not all car salesman are dirt bags)

Check Edmunds pricing out here for this make/model

http://www.edmunds.com/used/2004/mazda/mazda3/100364240/options.html?tmvaction=vdpresult

Notice the "private party" amount, I wouldn't even consider buying anything above that amount regardless of who's selling it...But that's just me...

Some people just don't have the stomach for negotiating or visiting numerous dealers etc.

Good Luck!