Ok, I am looking to buy a "newer" Mazda soon. Currently I have a 92 323 1.6 5speed. I love the car but I need something a little bit bigger, has power stearing, and doesn't move around when the wind blows lol.

My big problem is well I am just young guy, lol born in 86 so yeah... Never bought a car so need some pointers.
I can wait a while, its not that I need one now. Its just that I am looking.

I want to stay with Mazda's loved my 323, want to keep the brand.

I see some 626 and proteges out there, for a good price. But I would love to get a 3 or a 6.

I work for Farmers Insurance so I can get discount on Mazdas.

Any addvice for a young guy looking for a newer car?

 

I would say shop around and see what appeals to you. It depends if you want to finance it or pay cash. I prefer NO car payments! Look around at used car dealers and see what the different models look like up close and see if you can arrange a test drive.

 

I've got a BASE model 3 (2.0L, 5-speed stick, crank windows, manual locks, etc.) only option was AC. Brand new it was $14,900 out the door, you should be able to get some for much less at this point (used)

It's a great car and you will not be disappointed if you get one.

 

buy a 3 you can prob find a used one like 04 for low teens !!!

 

I just searched Traderonline.com and saw some 3's down into the $10,000-11,000 range.

 

Ok sounds good, yeah I looking pretty hard at the 3s.

I think thats what I will go for if I want to make/ can make the payments.

I'll see what kind of discount my work will give me.

Does the 3 base model have ABS?

 

The 3i doesn't have ABS (I don't mind that actually, I've had ABS systems refuse to brake under certain conditions.)

 

definetly get the mazda3....its really nice looking, somewhat cheap, and its surprisingly fast....my parents have an '02 oldsmobile alero with a V6, and my car feels way faster!!

 

Cool, yeah I have always liked the 3 and I think I just might go that way.

Any advise on looking at some used 3s any thing to look for?

Like I said I am a young guy, but I will be by my self lol no parents to go with me and give me some help.

 

Alucard, I have a 2004 3 Sport GT w/moonroof that I bought about 6 months ago with 31,000 kms for 16,500 and I love the car, the stealership is a bunch of wankin bastards[:'(], but, the car is sweet, it was also my first "New" car...

It's always good to buy a used car from the dealer if it's been maintained at the delaer you will have access to everything that has been done to it, service, TSB and regular maintenance wise anyway.

Good luck with whatever happens. Make sure you read as much as you can about whatever car you want to buy before you buy it. I have found these forums to be extremely helpful, I searched/read on the internet for weeks on the 3 before I bought mine. They are awesome because you can talk to to and read about people's experiences with the car without learning things the hard way..

John.[8D]