MS3 Purchasing Advice HELP!!!

[Antoniogut]

So I've been doing a LOT of research and I have my heart set on a Mazdaspeed 3. Now comes the looking for the perfect deal part. I was thinking about saving and waiting until the 2008.5 gray model but I've found something that seems to be a good deal. So I've found a 2007 Grand Touring Mazdaspeed 3(7,600 miles) in the Cosmic Blue with the Nav system and upgrades like a CAI and short shifter by TWM, all season mats, regular mats, car cover, 3m clear bra, shop manual, oil filter kits, wheel locks, cargo net and tinted windows...Still has 28 months factory warranty. All for 23k. So what do you all think? First time NEW car owner so any advice is helpful. Thanks!


Update* Reason for sale is due to back injury, he states he takes care of all his car he owns. Says he took it in for all the recalls and if anything was out of the ordinary.
I'm gonna offer 21k if he doesnt take it I'll be going to the dealers!

[Powerslave]

SCREW THAT, i got my brand new gt with nav for 27k even, the one your looking at has 7600miles and you don't even know hoe it was treated to save 3k...no way atleast thats my take....mine was on the showroom floor 15miles

[sleeper3]

wtf happened to my post?

[Antoniogut]

Here's his answer to my concerns...

No worries for the questions. I would be the same way. I run full synthetic oil in the car. I also use(d) it as a commuter car. Not for high speed anything…I mentioned that I took it to the dealer anytime it needed work (recall) and for anything I heard that sounded wrong. Further, the car does have 28 months left on the factory warranty.

He says he's selling it due to "back injury that leaves my driving abilities very limited."

He sounds like an honest guy to me, thanks for the reply so far, keep everyone posted with the more info Im getting

[Powerslave]

does it have the navi? for me i wouldn't even consier it unless he was under 20k...

[Haltech]

I got my 07 GT with Nav for $24,500 because the dealer fried the clutch in the first one when doing a dealer trade. I demanded another car and what do you know, it was another silver one.I also got a free Sirius setup and a free MSCAI as well.

[Antoniogut]

does it have the navi? for me i wouldn't even consier it unless he was under 20k...

yes comes with the navigation system

[Antoniogut]

Ok so lowest he'd go would be 23K...let me know what you all think. Thanks

[sleeper3]

for 23k I would laugh at him.


sucks but he probably paid full pop for it when he bought it or something. wait til he's more desperate.

[ericrapp]

Ok so lowest he'd go would be 23K...let me know what you all think. Thanks

I ordered mine new, rec'd May 2007 with upgrades on sport 24,500$, 4 miles on od. I would prefer untouched on this model (it begs to be driven hard,did it get broken in just right) Used performance cars are high risk imo Good luck though.

[DR. ZOOM ZOOM]

I am a dealer and also a custom fabricator . With 7k who cares if it was broken in right . Engines are well past the point of not being broken in right as well as you should pay what you think is fair . I also think you should see what you can purchase one for New and then pay $4000 less thats a good deal ..............(smash)

[SwampAss]

mine had 100 miles and probably got treated like shit. I don't care. You can't break these things unless you abuse it all the time. I have about 21k on it, it purrs like a kitten, uses no oil, and returns solid fuel economy.

Try and snake it for less than 20k. It's a used car. I'm sure they soaked someone on it. Let some of that pay off for you.

[n|njutsu55]

I'd buy it but it for 20k to 21k. I think thats a pretty fair deal. Your saving at least 4 to 5 grand.

[3.slow]

I got a brand new 2008 MS3 Sport for $21,000 for pete's sake!

[Dozed]

I thought of going the used route as well. I would talk him down to 20k-21k. With all those add-ons, $22k is the highest I'd go. $24k for a used '07 Speed3 isn't the greatest deal out there.

If you think $24k used is a good deal, you might as well get a new one IMO.

[Antoniogut]

Where is everyone getting their Mazdaspeeds so cheap!? Used route avoids taxes/fees and a dealer, well brand new 08 GT is almost 25k plus taxes/fees/etc. I cant find any brand new in or around CA for that cheap.

[ericrapp]

So I've been doing a LOT of research and I have my heart set on a Mazdaspeed 3. Now comes the looking for the perfect deal part. I was thinking about saving and waiting until the 2008.5 gray model but I've found something that seems to be a good deal. So I've found a 2007 Grand Touring Mazdaspeed 3(7,600 miles) in the Cosmic Blue with the Nav system and upgrades like a CAI and short shifter by TWM, all season mats, regular mats, car cover, 3m clear bra, shop manual, oil filter kits, wheel locks, cargo net and tinted windows...Still has 28 months factory warranty. All for 24k and he even said he's negotiable. So what do you all think? First time NEW car owner so any advice is helpful. Thanks!
Take it to a trusted mechanic[always a good thing to know one] and be sure it's ok. Those extras do have value but i think 22000 or less. Why not shop online for new if there are any concerns about condition. If you could save a grand, have it shipped from another dealer. and why is he selling? an important ? to ask. Good luck

[Dozed]

Where is everyone getting their Mazdaspeeds so cheap!? Used route avoids taxes/fees and a dealer, well brand new 08 GT is almost 25k plus taxes/fees/etc. I cant find any brand new in or around CA for that cheap.

I simply went to Edmunds.com and requested a quote from all the Mazda dealers in the area for a Speed3 GT (in black). The offers poured in and I'm down to $24900 out the door so far. I'm picking mine up next week. Best offer gets my business. :)

[3.slow]

Don't forget the dealer gets a 2-3% kickback from Mazda.

[Silver Ecstasy]

I'm in a similar predicament. I could purchase a brand new 08 (08.5 hopefully..) MS3 GT and I can get S-Plan but it'd be a little higher payment than I'd like. I just found an 08 MS3 (looks like a GT too with Bose and leather), with only 4,000 miles on it and they want $19,900 at my mom's bf's dealership. I'm thinking I could get that knocked down even less if I wanted too!

[CHICO2003]

I second (or 11th) what everyone else has been saying... $23k for a used MS3 GT is a total rip

Here's the thing you have to remember about used cars... especially turbos. How they're treated and taken care of during the first say... 1k miles can dramatically affect how well the car performs (and lasts) thousands of miles later. You've probably heard how important it is to break a car in... it's also important to let a turbo idle after driving it. I'm not sure exactly how important it is for the MS3 but I know it's extremely important for the MSP. either way, these things (and many others) are things you'd never know for sure happened... Add into the mix how well (or not) the car was taken care of (garaged, dinged, etc.) and you better be getting on e hell of a deal.

Although it's popular for people to think used cars are the best value... it's not always the case. Especially if you're a "car guy" that wants his baby to remain in pristine condition inside and out. But financially, when you factor in the interest rate for a used is going to be at least a couple points higher than new... suddenly the difference isn't quite as dramatic.

now don't get me wrong... if you can get this guy down a few grand then you may have something. but at 23... buy new!

oh and one more thing... Even though I have an MSP, I've driven an MS3 w/nav for a couple days (long story) and can honestly tell you it sucks balls. For $1750 you can buy a garmin (far superior to that pos) and STILL have enough leftover to buy a nice 46" hdtv or something lol sure... it won't be "intergrated" but so F'ing what! if it's that important to you... buy an avic d3 (which is what I have) they can be had for about $500 now and they're a billion times better than the factory unit.

but yeah... getting back to the point. don't let these dealers screw you over. most savvy ms3 buyers (which this board as a whole consists of) are buying these cars for at or near invoice. if one dealer won't sell the car to you for the price you want... go elsewhere. you probably know this but some don't. a car can be taken in for service anywhere... doesn't have to be where you bought it. mazda will honor the warranty in your hometown... or timbukfriggintu. so don't let that factor in... just get the best deal you can (on a new) sport or GT and you won't regret it.

now if you wait for the 08.5's to roll out... that might be a different story. dealerships might actually have a legitimate reason to demand a premium on those... at least early on. but those too will sell for at or near invoice as the initial excitement dies off. good luck

[Silver Ecstasy]

So, that GT I found for $19k, may not be such a good idea after all? It's not in the color I want, and I can't imagine why someone would get rid of it after only 4,000 miles...I figured japanese cars held their value a little better than that! You would have thought that it would still be worth like $21k atleast.

Otherwise, I may seriously heed your advice and buy new, force myself to make it happen.

I'll be pissed if they charge a premium..punk ass dealerships.

I'm noticing you said you have a D3. I was told you can't replace the radio in the Mazda's? Because of the way the entire dash is laid out?

[CHICO2003]

you can... it's just not quite as easy as a typical din or double-din setup. (but it's still easy...) just google the metra dash kit they make for it to see... there are also a few people on this board that have done it. like I said.. it looks totally stock... except for the message bar part.

as for the $19k... there's exceptions to every rule. honestly... if the car's in tip top shape... with only 4k miles... that's actually a pretty good deal.

but you're right... why the hell would someone sell their car so soon? don't believe their bs reasons... look to see through the crap... if there is any

[Silver Ecstasy]

Yeah $19k and only 4k miles..

Last time I bought a "new used" car..it ended up being the worst mistake of my life..

[MS3077]

I paid 23,675 OTD for my MS3 GT w/ 11 miles.

[~JoJo~]

man you guys really don't know how good you have it. Here in Cali you are lucky to find a GT with 15k miles for less than 23k. There are still ppl (and dealers) selling these for 23-24k without navi. I can sell my 16k miles with navi for at least 23+ =p Damn we cali ppl always have to pay more for everything, especially in the city.

[muchdutch]

Damn we cali ppl always have to pay more for everything, especially in the city.

Just be grateful you're not paying as much as the canucks...

[Silver Ecstasy]

I paid 23,675 OTD for my MS3 GT w/ 11 miles.

What's your payment? Or did you pay cash?

[Breezy]

I just bought an 08 GT with sirius radio (would never use it though) and the "magic" rear view mirror for 24k flat, plus a good trqade in on the old Honda. I left the dealer after I set my terms and they called me back a half hour later to accept the deal. They said it was the only car they sold that day.

While I would like to have it pull to 6500 I'm NOT going to mod it in any way. It's fast enough to keep me awake now ..

And as for the 08.5??? What a yawn .. they release a mid year update and all they can think of is to scramble up paint colors and make the interior trim a little different? Who cares???? What's next? A polished wheel option? They should have re-geared the box or something else meaningful.

[Silver Ecstasy]

So Sirius cost extra in the factory radio? I thought it comes with it automatically.

[clos561]

tell him 20. even tho a even 23 soudns like a good deal, with the upgrades i think its reasonable if u can get it 23, u can probably get it for 21 or so. but u have to talk to the guy, he may be desperate since he cannot drive because of back injury, or he is full of shit and cant make payments anymore so he wants a sympathy trip with the whole "my back" thing. dont bite yet. try to get it clsoer to 21 or even 20

[Breezy]

So Sirius cost extra in the factory radio? I thought it comes with it automatically.
Nope! It's a $500 option .. I think it's easily transferable to another car though .. if anyone wants one I can check into it and maybe let mine go ..

[Silver Ecstasy]

Ahh okay cool. I thought it might be like my SS with factory 3 months of XM.

I don't exactly plan on changing my radio (keyword: plan..) so I may opt for the Sirius. Do you get it free for a couple months?

[Breezy]

Yes, i think it's 2 months free .. might be 3. PM me if you have a serious interest and I'll look into it. Not sure what to do about the antenna though ..

[Silver Ecstasy]

Okay cool, that's all I really needed to know.

[Rotus8]

Yes, i think it's 2 months free .. might be 3. PM me if you have a serious interest and I'll look into it. Not sure what to do about the antenna though ..
It's six months free. Well, not really free, just included with the cost of the receiver.

[MS3077]

SCREW THAT, i got my brand new gt with nav for 27k even, the one your looking at has 7600miles and you don't even know hoe it was treated to save 3k...no way atleast thats my take....mine was on the showroom floor 15miles

You got raped sir! I paid 23,635 OTD for my speed 3 with 11miles without nav
either way even for 27k it's a good deal.

[MS3077]

So I've been doing a LOT of research and I have my heart set on a Mazdaspeed 3. Now comes the looking for the perfect deal part. I was thinking about saving and waiting until the 2008.5 gray model but I've found something that seems to be a good deal. So I've found a 2007 Grand Touring Mazdaspeed 3(7,600 miles) in the Cosmic Blue with the Nav system and upgrades like a CAI and short shifter by TWM, all season mats, regular mats, car cover, 3m clear bra, shop manual, oil filter kits, wheel locks, cargo net and tinted windows...Still has 28 months factory warranty. All for 23k. So what do you all think? First time NEW car owner so any advice is helpful. Thanks!


Update* Reason for sale is due to back injury, he states he takes care of all his car he owns. Says he took it in for all the recalls and if anything was out of the ordinary.
I'm gonna offer 21k if he doesnt take it I'll be going to the dealers!

21,500 would be fair considering all the extra stuff you'll be getting with it.