"DanimalHouse" (thrillerwa09)
10/12/2015 at 08:55 • Filed to: None
5
9|
"DanimalHouse" (thrillerwa09)
10/12/2015 at 08:55 • Filed to: None | 5
| 9 |
EDIT: Didn’t buy this car, the rear brake caliper seized up on the way to the 3rd party buyer’s inspection, and the shyster manager at the dealership tried to blame it on us, even though the car JUST CAME OUT OF THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT!!! Could it have happened at random? possibly. But we opted out of the car (not without a fight) and moved on.
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I don’t post much, but when I do, I usually word-gush over my ‘93 Explorer that I love dearly - - but now it’s dead.
I hoped it would go out in spectacular fashion, but instead the darn thing just wouldn’t start (electrical issues, not worth the repair bill). I’ve needed a reliable commuter car for a while on a pretty low budget, as I need to replace my spouse’s car in the next year or so too.
Found a great pre-owned deal at a Mazda dealership, they just bought the 3 i Sport the day before, wasn’t even cleaned yet, so we got a great deal on a cash offer since they didn’t have to spend any resources marketing the thing (hadn’t posted it on their website yet).
(like this one!)
I wanted a 5-door, but was ready to take a good deal on a 4-door if the opportunity presented itself. So I’m pretty excited, always wanted a Mazda.
Huzzah!
Opposite Locksmith
> DanimalHouse
10/12/2015 at 09:08 |
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Enjoy! Put the ford drivetrain in it
Eric @ opposite-lock.com
> DanimalHouse
10/12/2015 at 09:08 |
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Great choice. These are great cars, but repairs of anything unique to the model are kind of steep (and this era had a few weak points, like the transmission control in autos and a gas cap that was silently recalled (so if it gets jammed/broken, you need to buy a new one). Too bad you got the sedan and not the hatch - the hatches are better and the insurance premiums are lower (for some reason young men with too much testosterone like the sedans and old ladies/lesbians like the hatches, unless you’re in Canada, then everyone loves the hatches).
RazoE
> DanimalHouse
10/12/2015 at 09:29 |
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Congrats! Us 3 owners should get together and discuss...uh, rust, and such...I guess..
Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero
> DanimalHouse
10/12/2015 at 10:03 |
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Sorry for your loss but congrats on the new family member
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DanimalHouse
> RazoE
10/12/2015 at 11:59 |
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Yeah, is that a pretty big issue for you? I know it was an issue on the Protoges. Thankfully, I’m in the PNW, where rust isn’t as prevalent as other parts of the country (salted roads in winter, etc)
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DanimalHouse
> Eric @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2015 at 12:02 |
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I wanted the hatch, but we negotiated a pretty killer deal on the sedan (about $1800 under KBB). If it starts nickel and diming us in the next year or so, we can probably turn around and sell it.
The transmission was actually replaced under an extended warranty, according to the previous owner. Only about 10k miles on it so far.
Other issues I should know about? I did some research up front, but testamonials are always useful!
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RazoE
> DanimalHouse
10/12/2015 at 12:20 |
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I’m in Los Angeles, California. The only rust is on the garage door hinges where I park my car. Aw yiss.
TheJMan92
> RazoE
10/12/2015 at 12:33 |
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You two are lucky, I’m preparing to paint my rusty 3 with POR-15 this week.
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TheJMan92
> DanimalHouse
10/12/2015 at 12:40 |
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Passenger motor mounts tend to go out (if these are still the fluid filled ones) but are pretty easy to replace in about 30 minutes. Other than the transmission mentioned above, these are pretty sturdy and easy to work on. Parts have been cheap for everything I’ve replaced (control arms, struts, rotors, pads, sway bar end links, half shafts, wheel hub, thermostat, water pump... I like preventative maintenance) and working on it is easy.
Rust is the big downfall, but you seem to be lucky and in a good area. Drive and enjoy!