New member looking for MAZDA3 Sedan

[mercury6]

Hi Guys,

I found this forum while researching used Mazda3s.
I had a good time reading up and of course some of the dealership reviews were quite nicely written.

Anyway I am looking at Mazda3 Sedans around 5-8 yrs old and till now I have driven just one.
Hope to do many more this weekend.

The one I drove was very nice 2007 though road noise was a little much.
But I and the owner wasnt sure which trim it was.
It is a 2.0L. The owner had advertised as a GT (2.3L), which it is not. Didnt have a sunroof, but had
pretty much every power option. So it is probably iTouring.

The car seemed mechanically and cosmetically excellent and very clean and NO RUST.
However at the end of the ride the immobilizer light started flashing.
Both of us were confused and although we tried it still kept flashing even with key out.
The very courteous owner said it is supposed to be that way. I wonder if someone here can shed light on this issue
since if I do buy it I dont want to end up at a dealership as the manual recommends.

Of course I am also considering a new Mazda3 and if they discount the 2013s when the new one is out,
I might go in to a dealership. But I will have to wait a few months.

So any tips, hints and suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks

[jaimie08mazda3]

More then likely you have found a 2007 Mazda3 GS. Same one as mine except a year older *full power options steering wheel mounted controls, Auto lights, Auto wipers, Cruise Control etc etc.) I have owned mine for the past 6 years and honestly I can say it is a fantastic car. I have had minor problems and 90% of that was my own fault. The immobilizer light happens. It does it everytime I turn my car off. Do not panic it is supposed to be that way or at least for me it has and probably most guys on here. All in all I have a lot of love for my little car and for the money it was worth it and paid for itself and then some. Good luck and hopefully you make your decision to own a practical and fun car.

[mercury6]

Hey,

Thanks for the reply.
I ran the VIN# and it shows up as a iTouring 4dr Sedan.
Is that same as GS?
Sorry forgot to mention It also has white gauges and 16" Alloys.
Does your have 15 or 16" wheels?

Good to hear about the immobilizer flashing as normal.

I am going to make an offer and see if I can get it within my budget.

[jaimie08mazda3]

Yea that would make sense. And that is the exact same thing as the GS. If I remember right the itouring is what they call it at the MTO and in the states but for Mazda Canada they call it the GS. White Gauges? That's different. Mine are red and blue. And mine has the 15"s (now turned into snow tires). And depending on KM you should be able to get it for 8-10. Depending on condition too. Let us know how it goes!

[mercury6]

The KM is 130K. About average. Ran the Carproof, Its clean.
Well I have gotten him down to 7K, But my total budget is 7K including taxes (About 800 on 6K) and other fees.
Is 6K unrealistic as you mention above it would be in the 8-10 range.
The Car drove very nice and was very clean.
Regardless of how low I can get it for, I should be taking it for an inspection, right?

[r4mi5awi]

Of course, better safe than sorry. You can't just take it back after purchase. Seller should not have issue with this, set a date and plan accordingly.

[mercury6]

UPDATE:
Seller backed off after agreeing to price when I requested PPI.
Said he has another buyer. OK!

[JonsMazda]

What's PPI?

[S.F.W.]

What's PPI?

Pre purchase inspection

[Fokma]

UPDATE:
Seller backed off after agreeing to price when I requested PPI.
Said he has another buyer. OK!

Sounds like you may have dodged a bullet there. Always makes me nervous when they back away from a PPI.

[mercury6]

Sounds like you may have dodged a bullet there. Always makes me nervous when they back away from a PPI.

And it was his price he backed out of.
Anyway this weekend I tested 6 M3s, including a 2011 model.

The best of the bunch was this one:
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ501704428

Excellent one owner car is great condition, low miles and very thorough and courteous seller.
Can someone here tell me if the asking price is ok?
It is a GT without the leather option.
I want to make an offer but dont want to low ball the seller.

There is another 2005 GT, good condition, 2 owner car no rust quebec vehicle.
Asking 6.5K, will offer 5 and see how it goes.

Only reason I want to keep away from 04/05 is the rust issue.

Of course I am exploring a new too, but am in two minds.

Thanks.

[mercury6]

Sounds like you may have dodged a bullet there. Always makes me nervous when they back away from a PPI.

And it was his price he backed out of.
Anyway this weekend I tested 6 M3s, including a 2011 model.

The best of the bunch was this one:
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ501704428

Excellent one owner car is great condition, low miles and very thorough and courteous seller.
Can someone here tell me if the asking price is ok?
It is a GT without the leather option.
I want to make an offer but dont want to low ball the seller.

There is another 2005 GT, good condition, 2 owner car no rust quebec vehicle.
Asking 6.5K, will offer 5 and see how it goes.

Only reason I want to keep away from 04/05 is the rust issue.

Of course I am exploring a new too, but am in two minds.

Thanks.