Okay, after flirting with the idea of an older Porsche and regaining my sensibilities, I'm focusing back in on cars that I can actually afford to drive. I've narrowed it down to on solid choice I really like. (Note: This will be my first vehicle I own. I have been driving for about five years using my parents car. While it's still functional, it's an 01 Dodge Durango that I'm doing mostly "city" miles on, and gas on that V8 is killing me in the wallet).
My estimated budget: $10,000
First up is the 2004 Mazda3 Hatchback
Sticker Price: $8,995
Miles: 78,316
KBB Value + Carfax Estimate Value: $7895
Edmunds value (Base): $5,689
Edmunds value (Total): $7,798
Planned Down payment: $4,500
Dealer's Advertisement of Features:
KEY FEATURES INCLUDE
CD Player, Aluminum Wheels Rear Spoiler, Remote Trunk Release, Keyless Entry, Child Safety Locks, Steering Wheel Controls. Safety equipment includes Child Safety Locks, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes. s with Titanium Gray Metallic exterior and Solid Black interior features a 4 Cylinder Engine with 160 HP at 6500 RPM*. Non-Smoker vehicle.
Pros:
Cons:
Everything in all the pictures from the dealer makes the car look in pristine condition. Low travel time for me. And I may be able to score an in with the dealer as I've done an advertisement design for them before. Ideally, I would like to get it around 7.5-8k range.
Alternatives:
Just across the state line (close to me), there is a 2007 Ford Fusion SE V6 with 48,555 miles listed for $10,995. It's exterior color is quoted as "Merlot Clearcoat Metallic" with "Medium Light Stone". It's a little out of my budget range that I'd like, and I haven't done as much research into it, but it seems like it may be a solid alternative to the Mazda. I don't like the styling as much for the exterior, and the interior is laid out nice, if not plain. Not a fan of the coloring at all however.
Summary:
My Anandtech Garage members, what do you think of the car? I plan on having a mechanic look at it for me and let me know of any potential issues.
Where is a good starting point to haggle for this?
My estimated budget: $10,000
First up is the 2004 Mazda3 Hatchback
Sticker Price: $8,995
Miles: 78,316
KBB Value + Carfax Estimate Value: $7895
Edmunds value (Base): $5,689
Edmunds value (Total): $7,798
Planned Down payment: $4,500
Dealer's Advertisement of Features:
KEY FEATURES INCLUDE
CD Player, Aluminum Wheels Rear Spoiler, Remote Trunk Release, Keyless Entry, Child Safety Locks, Steering Wheel Controls. Safety equipment includes Child Safety Locks, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes. s with Titanium Gray Metallic exterior and Solid Black interior features a 4 Cylinder Engine with 160 HP at 6500 RPM*. Non-Smoker vehicle.
Pros:
- Carfax One Owner certified. Local.
- I love the exterior color.
- Under budget.
- EPA Estimate of 25mpg city > 11 mpg of current ride.
- Manual Transmission.
- Dealer is quite literally right down the road from me. I can ride my bicycle to go see it.
- Has been sitting on dealer's lot for around a month at least.
Cons:
- I'm iffy on the seat colors.
- The red on black dash seems like it may be hard to see in daytime.
- I don't know how to drive manual. Yet.
Everything in all the pictures from the dealer makes the car look in pristine condition. Low travel time for me. And I may be able to score an in with the dealer as I've done an advertisement design for them before. Ideally, I would like to get it around 7.5-8k range.
Alternatives:
Just across the state line (close to me), there is a 2007 Ford Fusion SE V6 with 48,555 miles listed for $10,995. It's exterior color is quoted as "Merlot Clearcoat Metallic" with "Medium Light Stone". It's a little out of my budget range that I'd like, and I haven't done as much research into it, but it seems like it may be a solid alternative to the Mazda. I don't like the styling as much for the exterior, and the interior is laid out nice, if not plain. Not a fan of the coloring at all however.
Summary:
My Anandtech Garage members, what do you think of the car? I plan on having a mechanic look at it for me and let me know of any potential issues.
Where is a good starting point to haggle for this?