Used Mazda3. What should I be looking out for?

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I'm looking at trading in my old car for a Mazda3.

At the moment I have only been looking on the internet to get an idea of spec ect. However, it would be an advantage to know this car's good & bad points. Also, what to look out for when I eventually start looking round dealerships ect.

I'm only used to owning Fords, so a few tips would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone have an idea on how much sellers are willing to knock off the price of cars? Been a while since I last bought one.

AdrianHi

Wife has a 2003 Mazda 6 so I've dug into some of what you need to know.
Avoid the early diesels, reliability problems, wicked £700+ service bill due at around 70,000 miles and it doesn't even save you much in fuel compared to petrol.
So go for a petrol unless it's the really recent (April 2007 released) improved diesel engine which is worth considering.
Mazda3 is based on the Focus floor pan (may be you new that) so is great to drive, excellent reliability record.

Try for 10% discounts https://www.parkers.co.uk not a bad guide though a bit on the high side for prices.

cos69

Mazda are launching a new "shape" model 3, will be in the show rooms come May; so depending on how old a car your buying - you might see some price drops on more recent models if you wait a bit

the_devil_made_me_do_it

It's strange when it comes to checking out prices for this car. I've noticed that over the past couple of weeks, the Mazda3 used car prices have been actually on the increase. I'm unsure why that is to be honest, not particularly the greatest of ideas considering the current credit issues.

AdrianHi

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

It's strange when it comes to checking out prices for this car. I've noticed that over the past couple of weeks, the Mazda3 used car prices have been actually on the increase. I'm unsure why that is to be honest, not particularly the greatest of ideas considering the current credit issues.

Happening across the market, they took a big fall last year when sales were low, now no one wants to buy new, young cars and cheap to run cars are in demand and the nearly new cars are in short supply because new car sales were so low last year.
Has a knock on effect to older cars too.

Also the pound being so weak makes any imported cars more expensive, which has an effect on used cars.