Which mazda 3?

[The_big_dill]

Hey all,

I am always in the protege section, so don't come see Mazda 3s too often

So my mom is buying a 2006 Mazda 3 and has a choice between 2 cars.

Both are white hatches:

1. $3300
- rust on quarters, trunk, hood, rockers, some underbody rust. Nothing perforated, but paint matching won't be a fun job.
- A/C not working
- Fully loaded package, leathers w/heated seats, etc.
- 190,000km (~120k miles)

2. $4000
- NO rust
- Everything works
- base model (cloth interior)
- 224,000km (~140k miles)

I am not familiar with the 3s, but I am very familiar with rust and would hands down choose option 2, but my mom really values the better package and lower price, lower mileage is a perk too.

My Questions:

1. Do all 1st gen Mazda 3s come with the wiring for heated seats, or do the different models have different wiring harnesses?

2. What do you guys think regarding our options?

 

[concept]

Basred upon your description of #1, I'd be wary about the suspension and undercarriage being safe. Personally, I'd be more interested in #2.

 

[mazdadude]

Having seen some pictures of your "Normal" rust up there, it makes me cringe... I can not imagine trying to work on those rusty vehicles.

Opt 2 sounds better from the description. But perhaps you can look longer, or more south... Is there a reason to limit it to that particular year?

 

[The_big_dill]

Turns out the dealer who was selling for $4000 was covering up rust with paint, I could see it, but someone less knowledgeable will not. Damn thieves. And now we missed out on the $3300 deal.

What can you guys tell me about swapping seats though?

 

[2.0_Mazda]

I have no clue about seat swapping, but find the extra $500-$1000 and buy something in better condition. Both deals sound mediocre at best.

 

[The_big_dill]

Ended up going with a whole different car, less rust, more kilometers. $2500. Will post pics when I fix my computer