wcs

iTrader: (2)

Oh yeah I guess how that looks contradictory.

Ok I've got an 05 and love it and yes the 04 I like as well
Actually I would only buy a Series 1. I don't like the looks of the front bumper on the Series II and of course the tuning options ... are slowing coming.

Now even thou I do like the 04's, I did say if the Price was right.
The car will be 10 years old next year.
10
And with the depreciation value and the fact it's out of the extended warranty.
They just are not worth that much.

However if you are willing to work on the car yourself as a "Project Car" if you will.
Score.

mckinleyr97

If you do your due diligence on the 04's, you shouldn't have an issue... Due diligence in this case being:

1. Compression test is a must...
2. Transmission/clutch shifts and engages smoothly... Checking the transmission fluid for any metal shavings is imo critical...
3. Test Drive - car should run smoothly, listen for any odd noises other than normal NVH, car should handle superbly and go exactly where you point it... Test the brakes, steering, make sure the car has the 'power' it should have... Give it a long enough of a test drive to test its 'cooling' ability...
4. Find out full service history from previous owner and find out if they took care of it well; new engine? new transmission? Any accidents? You can find out from Mazda if the engine was ever replaced with a phone call...
5. Ignition should start quickly. If not, you'll need to take care of the ignition system if it has any age at all; coils, plugs, wires and possibly starter...
6. No indicator lights on the dash, these can easily be wiped however but likely to return on any test drive...
7. No electrical issues; make sure all electrical things work as they should... AC should blow cold air, heater slow warm, radio should work, etc...
8. Find out any and all modifications done to the car and if they were properly installed.
9. Make sure all body panels are flush with each other, no sign of any accidents and carefully inspect for scratches, dents, rust, etc.
10. Make sure the 'wear' of the vehicle matches the mileage of the vehicle.
11. Make sure there is no leaks underneath the vehicle like oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc both before and after the test drive.
12. Tire wear depends on how it was driven but it should be even across the board.
13. Interior should not have any odd smell and hopefully doesn't have an air freshener type smell to hide potential odors.

Others can add to this list.

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Hi wcs,
Interesting. I don't really see the car as an investment where I am concerned about depreciation.
I believe the market will dictate the asking price.

I usually disagree with sweeping, blanket generalizations.
In this case, avoiding '04s unless it's a fixed, very low price.

I think each car is a unique situation, and is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.
Take mine as an example;
A fully loaded '04 GT.The original sticker price was $35,559. It has 24k miles on it, 2nd owner, and is in near showroom condition.

Would you still say it's only worth $4500 and a BJ?
I paíd way more, and I think it's worth it.

However, if the engine goes tomorrow, I'm sure I won't feel the same way.

kops

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the input guys. Mckinleyr97, those look like some great pointers for me to keep in mind. On top of this being my first rotary, this is also my first car purchase, so those kind of hints are valuable to me.

I see what you're saying BigCajun, and I think I'm on the same page. Going into this, I wasn't concerned if it was an 04 or 06 or whatever. Just looking for something thats in great shape, and has good compression. When I go check out these cars, I will be sure to do my due diligence.

Eldragon0

First off I'd like to start by saying ignore WCS's price quotes.... He tried throwing me off when I was looking for my car as well. A low mileage good condition 04-08 is worth as much as you want to pay for it. You aren't buying a car for it's resale value. You're buying it because you love the triangle. I settled (huge understatement) on an 06 brilliant black shinka for 11.5k (48k miles) with a 4 year 48k mile warranty (bumper to bumper) from allstate for another 2.3k. Look around for prices within 3-500 miles from you. If you see consistency in the range you're looking at, then consider it a good price. If you see 300 miles away there's the same car in the same condition going for 5k less like WCS seems to think there is.... then spend 100$ on a one way ticket and fly there and drive it back. This car isn't something you'll just let lay around and gather dust, or break down and deal with whenever. If you're serious about getting her then don't just settle, fine the one for you and in advance, Welcome to the club.


Sorry... I didn't realize I brought this back from the grave ^^