Gents and ladies,

I am sensitive to where I am posting this, so I may have an obvious answer from you... I have a chance of buying a neighbors 2005 M3 5 dr for 13,500. It has 25,600 miles on it. However, a guy that buys cars at auction for $400 says he can get me into a 2007 Focus hatchback with 18,000 for around $13,000 and I am getting a newer car with more warranty on it. I have just seen the Focus online but actually drove the 3 over the weekend (sweet).

He also says it is way over priced but skillfully dodged my pricing question as he wants me to engage his services to get the Focus. BTW, there are no M3 at auction this week. I have priced on Kelly ($14,680) and NADA ($15,600), but he put a shadow of doubt on my direction.

This has 17" alloy, leather seats, 6 disc, moon roof, power door locks, mirrors and windows, cruise, air, etc. Your opinions would be highly valued... WWLD (What would Lance do ? Sorry, I am a cyclist....

thx all

 

I'd only go for the 3 if it includes the ABS/SAB/SAC package.... from the sounds of it it should have it but you didn't specify, and in 2005 the packages could be gotten separately from other options. Also is it ATX or MTX? Next off 25k miles on a three year old car isn't bad... mine has 50k, and knowing what I know about my particular car I'd have no problem buying it now as it is.

Beyond that don't make a decision until you get a chance to drive the/a focus to compare. In general the US focus is way inferior when compared to the 3... the EU focus on the other hand is supposedly awesome.

Lastly get a carfax report on both cars.

 

Oh also don't try to get opinions from the guy on which car is better. He's getting a fee if you buy the focus so anything he tells you will be tainted by that.

Also also looking on kbb.com for a private party deal that's not a horrible price, esp. if it's someone you feel you can trust and who took good care of the car.

 

I will reach out to get the addt'l details. There is no mention of the ABS/SAb or SAC. or ATX, MTX on the flyer he put together. He does have the vin number but I don't think I can pull anything with that. I did pull a Carfax on it and all came back clean. I looked at the Focus and did not like it at all. Must be the american version. That being said are the items listed ones that would make me pause and look for an '06 with these features.

 

The ABS/SAC/SAB package includes anti lock brakes, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The 3 received poor side impact results without the side airbags.... now there isn't actually another test with them, however other similar cars (like the volvo S40 with the same chassis) got much better results with the side airbags. As a paramedic I've seen the benefit that comes from side airbags, so I wouldn't buy the car without them.

The ATX/MTX is automatic or manual transmission :P. Is it a stick shift? I'm personally a die hard MTX driver but I realize that not everyone is, and for some people (i.e. those with heavy traffic in their drives) it's impractical. Anyway it's totally a different thing for each person depending on their situation. That being said the 3 has an awesome MTX gearbox so if you haven't tried one out then do so..... now would be fine.

As for differences between the '05 and '06... Most of the change was in Mazda re-organizing the trim packages. In '05 you could get all the bells and whistles (HID/TPMS/moonroof/6CD, etc.) but choose to not add leather. In '06 they eliminated the smaller option packages and went with the touring/grand touring trims. The other functional differences are that all 3's got an ambient temp. display on the HU LCD in 2006, and the GT trim (very similar to the '05 special edition) got Auto Climate Control.

 

I'd love to have manual and having learned to drive on one just love it. However, my wife does not want to learn, but would also like to drive... so this one an ATX (acronyms !!). I assume there is no ABS but have yet to confirm. The flyer does say driver and passenger airbag and also says side air bag and leather... So it seems to have all I'd like... how about pricing from what he is asking $13,500 should I be countering or am I getting a good deal. Just not a lot of them out there...

 

Assuming you're in the US then if it has side airbags it also has ABS. If you're going with an ATX then you might want to consider looking for a '06. All '06+ 3's with the 2.3L engine got a 5-speed ATX vs. the 4-speed in previous years. It improved gas mileage and apparently shifts smoother.

 

I don't know anything about Mazdas but I do know you can always negotiate with price if the seller doesn't say "firm." I have inquired about a lot of cars in the past few months and I learned to always start out the conversation of a car purchase with negotiation. When you see the car and test drive it, you can pick out its flaws that weren't mentioned in the ad (which it most likely will have) and negotiate from there. Make sure to note anything that will cost you as soon as you buy it including new tires, brake pads etc.

It is a great time to buy right now because of the economy. I'm already seeing dealer sticker prices being competitive with private seller prices. KBB doesn't mean anything right now. They are way off on a lot of cars. Go by the current market for the car you're looking for. Compare prices by what people are listing them as. Many times if you wait a little, they will be reduced (this includes dealers and private sellers).

 

That's a good price for the Mazda 3. I was happy to pay almost that much for an 04 with almost twice the miles several months ago. Given the quality of the Mazda, an extra 10k miles or so is nothing. If you take care of it and are willing to do repairs when the time comes, it could easily make it to 200K or beyond.

Don't know much about the Focus, but I'd stay away from anyone who lists a car for that much over the Kelley or Edmunds price... especially in this economy. A price like that is insult to my intelligence. It's like, I know how to use the web, dude. I'm not going to fight you tooth and nail to knock 25% off your price just to get an average deal. Find another sucker.

 

OK... deal done car in the garage. Purchased from private seller 2005 mazda 3 hatchback.. great condition just two door dings and immaculate interior. Price $13,200 and seller had it cleaned and a full tank of gas to boot. Makes me feel young and a fun ride. Thanks to all for your advice. Could not be happier.. no looking to make it even sportier ... may start with tinting windows. Is there a particular method or process you might suggest that is good quality and won't regret later .. I see all these strip mall shops and they make me nervous. Also, I noticed here some of the 3's have much larger fog lights .. do you have to change the whole grill... anyway day two and loving it !!!

 

The best way to find out who is good with tinting is to ask around with mechanics, dealers and other service people, or check online reviews. I haven't had any trouble finding a place that does an immaculate job in three cities. Look for Llumar films and 3M. If they are certified to put those in, they're probably ok.

And check the laws in your state, unless you want to get pulled over and forced to peel the films off. It has happened to me.

 

Ok so looked at your pics and wondering what kind of paint u used to paint the calipers, where did u purchase your rear view mirror and horns?

Thanks for all your advice ..

Rico