Hello, I am new to the forum and I am considering purchasing a 2005 Mazda 3 S Hatchback with 58,000 miles. It's a 5 spd., one owner, and is at a local Toyota dealer. Asking price is $9,300 which according to Edmunds.com is right at wholesale.
I have been Toyota owner for many years but would like something a little more fun and interesting to drive. I have some questions about the car that that I hope people here on the forum could provide some answers to. Sorry about the newbie questions, but I know absolutely nothing about maintaining a Mazda.
Does this have a timing belt or chain, and what mileage intervals does it need to be replaced at and what would be the cost to replace either one???
Four disc brakes, I am assuming it would be about $200 to have the front or back pads replaced???
Five speed. How dependable is the clutch? I know it depends on the driving habits of the owner, but what is a reasonable expectation with regards to longevity??? What would a clutch replacement cost???
The car currently has Goodyear's on it, I am not sure if they are Eagle GT's or not. What would be a good replacement if needed??? Yokohama's??? It has 17 inch rims.
What are member's experience regarding safety??? I believe it has 4 star driver/passenger front side and 3 stars for side impact.
Is the hatchback conducive to tall drivers??? The only reason I am asking this is that I hate going down to the dealer and have to deal with the vultures. I know I will eventually have to do this, but at this dealer, I can't even get one foot on the ground with the door open before I get pounced on. Aggggghhhh!!!
That's it, thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you forum members.
Best Regards,

Patrick
Mesa, AZ

 

Hello, I am new to the forum and I am considering purchasing a 2005 Mazda 3 S Hatchback with 58,000 miles. It's a 5 spd., one owner, and is at a local Toyota dealer. Asking price is $9,300 which according to Edmund's.com is right at wholesale.
You can do better, I'm sure, especially in this economy. Don;t forget to barter the price down.

I have been Toyota owner for many years but would like something a little more fun and interesting to drive. I have some questions about the car that that I hope people here on the forum could provide some answers to. Sorry about the newbie questions, but I know absolutely nothing about maintaining a Mazda.
Many of us, former Toyota owners especially, understand this thinking.
Does this have a timing belt or chain, and what mileage intervals does it need to be replaced at and what would be the cost to replace either one???
Chain. When it needs to be. Seemingly the life of the vehicle.
Four disc brakes, I am assuming it would be about $200 to have the front or back pads replaced???
To have it done? Probably. To do it yourself, less than half that.

Five speed. How dependable is the clutch? I know it depends on the driving habits of the owner, but what is a reasonable expectation with regards to longevity??? What would a clutch replacement cost???
A long time for most experienced drivers. Replacement? Well, the stage1 clutches I have considered cost between $250-$350. Labor I am not sure about but given most places charge $100+/hr these days... could be $700 (for a std OE clutch replacement) by the time all is said and done.

The car currently has Goodyear's on it, I am not sure if they are Eagle GT's or not. What would be a good replacement if needed??? Yokohama's??? It has 17 inch rims.
Many differing opinions on this one, but the general consensus is, stay away from Bad-Year.
What are member's experience regarding safety??? I believe it has 4 star driver/passenger front side and 3 stars for side impact.
5 stars with the optional Front/side curtain air bags and ABS system, an option in '05.

Is the hatchback conducive to tall drivers???
Yes.

The only reason I am asking this is that I hate going down to the dealer and have to deal with the vultures. I know I will eventually have to do this, but at this dealer, I can't even get one foot on the ground with the door open before I get pounced on. Aggggghhhh!!!
???? Non sequitur. Does not compute based on your previous statement.
Is there enough headroom for a tall person? Yes. Will that keep the salesmen away???

That's it, thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you forum members.
Best Regards,

Patrick
Mesa, AZ

 

^^ +1 to everything Richard said. Incidentally my '05 has just over 60k on the clock and still runs like new. I'd have no problem buying this car used in it's current condition.

 

Just a word of caution just in case, I'm not sure if its the same on hatch's but sedans eat tires up bad at least in my driving experience. I was told however that the rear tires are cambered in for handling purposes which puts strain in the inside tread. there are two fixes, if not more for this, rotate the hell out of your tires. I do mine every 3,000 miles/oil change or just have it adjusted to 0.00 instead of -0.xx

On a lighter note, i'm 22 and its 8:42pm and my dad walks into my room as i'm enjoying a light 7 and 7. There is a half pint of seven that i brought from the kitchen to the desk with my 7 up and a rocks glass and he asks, "what the hell are you drinking now?" i said a light 7 and 7 and its wonderful, (not quite those words), and then mumbles under his breath, and leaves my room, "I swear that kid is a regular alcoholic." The half pint is still half full and i've had that half pint for about six months now. lol.

 

^^ alcoholics go to meetings.

 

^^hear hear or here here however they used to say it