First Post!! Looking for a great Mazda3, pls help!! :)

[newbie7]

Hello Mazdaians... I just made that name up right now haha.

I was wondering if anyone can help me out.

I am in the market for a car, reliable, affordable, stylish, etc... and I thought the only way to go is with a Mazda3!

I am looking to 'ideally' spend around $5k but not sure if thats realistic. I have a friend who is selling her 2004 2.3 sport 4door, 125k, manual, dent in the front quarter panel (good shape otherwise).. and she wants $7k but I think that is high for a 2004, she may come down in price but not sure how much.

Also doing a quick search, I found two other ones going for $6k, they are 2005 with decent milage but I think they are lower models.

I have also never been a fan of buying from random used car dealers, I would prefer a private seller because I would trust them more and think it would a better deal.. does that make sense?

So I guess the questions I have are:
- Are my expectations realistic?
- Is the 2004 from my friend a good deal?
- Are the two 2005's from the dealer worth a look?
- If I do go with a dealer, can someone recommend a trusted one that has a good selection?

But the real question is, is anyone selling one that may work for me??? If you are or know anyone who is please PM me, thanks so much.

Is there any other advice or comments you wish to share regarding my situation?

Any help would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone!!

- Newbie

[Kiyomi]

getting a mazda 3 for 5k I would say is improbable. 7-10k used sounds more rite and fair a price for late models. There are many dealers on this forum, try contacting one of them as they would most likely try helping you.
-buying from a private seller is not always safe, atleast with a dealer, you may get some kind of warranty and you can always c them again if something goes wrong.
- I would give your friend 6k max for hers as the 2004 is prone to rusting, and there is a dent in the front quarter panel, but also because it still is the 2.3l model. ask if shes had it rustproofed throughout.
other than that, gl and zoom zoom mazdaian! <--- lol joookes.

[coriolis]

Just keep an eye out for rust at these parts, they are common and pretty bad at times:

-Rear quarter panel where the bumper meets, at the wheel arch
-wheel archs (all 4)
-door panels
-under the car

Rust is a pretty big issue for most 2004-2006 models, so you definitely need to keep an eye out.

$5k is doable but fairly hard to do, you have to do quite a bit of looking around and getting second opinions from a trusted mechanic. Of course, since it is is a $4-$7k car, it might not be worth it but still good to have it checked out.

[sol_searchin]

If you find a Mazda 3 for around 5k than it WILL need work, ask me how I know . 04 with those km, 6-7000 is a fair price (assuming it is in really good shape and NOT rusting).