Narrowed down my search to a used 2015 Mazda3 Sport GS 6MT with moonroof package in black mica. Vehicle has ~29,000km, and is Mazda certified pre-owned; comes in at $18,500. I have my test drive early tomorrow morning, and I think this might be the one I've been looking for after a bit of searching/test-driving. Dealership and agent I've spoken to seem to be quite well reviewed online, which is nice.
I'm going to be putting about 50-60% cash and finance the difference for a short amortization (~24/36mo at the highest), if that makes an appreciable difference to any advice that may be offered here. I could probably pay the whole thing in cash, but with finance rates so low, I'm inclined to utilize it and simply invest the difference in my savings.
Things I've done already:
* The vehicle's carproof is clean, with one service record at ~3,000km, at the same dealership that is selling it. The nature of that service will be one of my first questions, since the first scheduled service for a new 2015 should have been at about 4,000km.
* There's a recall that's open (fuel shut-off valve) for some models of the 2015 Mazda3s, which I'll inquire about and get the VIN to check myself if it is affected.
* Is it reasonable to request that the dealership perform the suggested 24,000km maintenance? The carproof doesn't indicate any service other than the one that I mentioned previously. Is this something that I could negotiate to be done in the sale price?
* Is it overkill to take the vehicle, after purchase, to an independent mechanic to have it verified? The Mazda certified pre-owned seems to give me a 30 day/3,000km exchange if I find an issue that I'm not comfortable with. Is that a good idea? I'm reasonably well versed in basic auto mechanics (my family has several mechanics and auto-enthusiasts, and I've learned quite a bit over the years through osmosis), but a professional 2nd opinion is something I've been suggested to get when buying a used vehicle.
Have I missed anything? Am I getting screwed somehow? Please, let me know!