'07 Speed buyer question

[HiroBerh]

I have been in love with this car since my friend got on in 2012. He ended up selling it and I had already bought a new car. I currently have a '14 Ford Focus MT and want to trade it for this Cars for Sale: 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 in Fullerton, CA 92833: Hatchback Details - 390982956 - AutoTrader.com It has low enough miles that I think it would be a good enough investment. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance

[Mochi]

Looks good and stock good luck with buy, I would read the introduction to this website for more information

[SpencerC]

Nice low miles, but $17,000 is a lot for a 50,00 mile car with 8 years on it. You should look at getting them to drop the price, or look for a higher mileage model that is cheaper.

[biggman026]

Originally Posted by Spencer@CorkSport Nice low miles, but $17,000 is a lot for a 50,00 mile car with 8 years on it. You should look at getting them to drop the price, or look for a higher mileage model that is cheaper.

Agreed. You need to get them down to $10-11,000 for the price to be even somewhat reasonable.

[jack_hammer]

that's over priced. it's a nice car, but over priced. unless it's exactly what you want and you have the money, i guess.

[Shwaykid]

Agreed on it being overpriced. That's what I paid for my '08 two years ago (with 45,000 miles), from a dealership down the street from that one (OC Auto Exchange off Euclid). But no way you're talking any dealer in SoCal down to $10k.

Do a good thorough test drive, I tested three speeds in the same night from dealers around the Fullerton/Anaheim area, and the first two were absolute crap.

[license2ill]

The asking price is nearly $2K over current blue book retail in that area($15K). That doesn't mean they won't drop their shorts, but they are hoping you will instead. Current private party values are around $13K for that car with those miles, and if it was a recent trade-in, the dealer paid in the range of $11.5.

For that money, you could get a 2010+ with decent miles. Few cars are good "investments" since 99.9% depreciate, regardless of upkeep. Trading-in a 2014 vehicle is going to be a huge hit as well, especially if it's financed. Your best financial move would be a private party sale of your Focus, and a buy of a private party Mazda with known history.

[taf0422]

LMAO. I only paid 18k for an 07 GT back in 09 and it only had 9k miles on it....

Also ad is gone...

[shamie]

Originally Posted by HiroBerh I have been in love with this car since my friend got on in 2012. It has low enough miles that I think it would be a good enough investment. What do you guys think?

1- cars are always a horrible investment (unless it was a BMW 1M when new)
2- that is way overpriced - by about $6K!

[frothy]

Bought my '07 MS3 GT for around that same price. ...but in '08, and with 14k miles on the odometer.

The Carfax report doesn't have much in the way of maintenance listed. That's something you might want to look into. Personally, i'd want to see receipts... Especially with that $17k asking price.

Although the mileage is low enough (<70,000 miles) the car is now over 7 years old and is therefore no longer covered by the VVT/Turbo warranty extension. If either of those things craps out, you'll be paying to have them replaced out of pocket.

That price needs to drop significantly before this becomes a reasonable deal...

Looks good, though!


Edit:
Mandatory thread for prospective buyers:
Official "I am looking to buy a used Mazdaspeed, what should I look for??

[HiroBerh]

Thanks for all the replies.
They sold it already.

I found another though. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 69Kmiles

[frothy]

I don't see anything alarming -- this one has better service records -- but it's still overpriced.

If you're not already, familiarize yourself with Official Kelley Blue Book New Car and Used Car Prices and Values . It's essentially The Bible when it comes to pricing cars.

Also, be aware of the different trims on these cars. The first one you were looking at was a GT, this one is a Sport. The difference being that the GT has leather-trimmed seats, Bose stereo, HID headlights with leveling switch, LED tail lights and rain-sensing wipers.

According to KBB the GT trim commands about $1,500 more than the Sport...

[license2ill]

Originally Posted by HiroBerh Thanks for all the replies. They sold it already. I found another though. 2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 69Kmiles

Again, this one is priced at least $3K over retail blue book value, $5K over private party values, and trade-in is at $8K for it. That means if you wanted to trade it back in to them tomorrow, they might give you half of what they are trying to get for it, after they do the same for your current trade. Don't think the dealer is unaware of these numbers.

[kylejenson]

Beating a dead horse..2 years ago bought my 08' with $17k but with 24k miles instead.

[SpencerC]

A good clean 07-09 in my opinion is worth up to about $13,000 maybe $14,000 for absolute pristine. Most of them though with average miles are worth closer to $10,000-$11,000. At the same time honestly if you think you like the car, it is worth what its worth to you. If you love it and want to pay $15,000 who cares. Just do it.

[SpencerC]

Here are some to look at

Used Mazda MAZDASPEED3 For Sale Fullerton, CA - CarGurus


Used Mazda MAZDASPEED3 For Sale Fullerton, CA - CarGurus

Used Mazda MAZDASPEED3 For Sale Fullerton, CA - CarGurus

[HiroBerh]

I'll keep my search up even more.
Thank you.

[SpencerC]

Best of luck. You'll find a good one.

[license2ill]

Originally Posted by HiroBerh I'll keep my search up even more. Thank you.

Your best move would be to sell the Focus private party, then find a private party 'speed3 for less. If you trade the Focus rather than sell privately, and buy a Mazda at retail prices, you'll pay y$3-5K on both ends. If financing is the reason for dealing with dealers, try the bank instead. Even with higher interest rate you won't get shafted out of the $10K you will lose upfront by doing business with a dealership.

[HiroBerh]

Originally Posted by license2ill Your best move would be to sell the Focus private party, then find a private party 'speed3 for less. If you trade the Focus rather than sell privately, and buy a Mazda at retail prices, you'll pay y$3-5K on both ends. If financing is the reason for dealing with dealers, try the bank instead. Even with higher interest rate you won't get shafted out of the $10K you will lose upfront by doing business with a dealership.

I have thought of doing that route. Just kind of going back and forth with what to do.

[cdumitru78]

OP - I bought a stage 2 08.5 MS3 with 36k miles for 12k, one owner car. I am in OR, so really not quite that far from you. It took me nearly 6 months to get what I wanted, so be patient, there seem to be a few of these out there. Great cars, I drive it daily and love it. You may wan to find an 08.5 or an 09 for that kinda money, and hopefully one owner car with good records.