http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ384139307

It's a 2006 Mazda6 V6 with the AT. 221k kilometres translates to roughly 138k miles. Asking $4,600.

It has hit-and-run damage on the right fender and mirror, which I would have replaced. The rest is, IMO acceptable wear and tear for the mileage and asking price.

He brought himself down to $4,000, I was thinking about offering him $3,500 or $3,700.

The only problem is that he doesn't have any plates on it, so I wasn't able to take it out on the highway or any main roads, or take it for a dealer inspection. It drove well on open side streets.

Is it possible to set up some written agreement where I could purchase it to get it on the road, and if something turns up during a dealer inspection or a highway drive that I don't like, I'd return it?

It's a lot of mileage, but about the same as my Accord, only 3 years newer and $3,000 cheaper, which is why I don't want to pass this up.

 

Does he have records? And could you at least tell if the exhaust system upgrade was competently done? I'm not sure if the 6s have the same rust problems as several other Mazdas, but did you check underneath, especially the wheel wells?

If it were me, I would have to have a mechanic inspect it before purchasing. I'm not sure how you can legally take it to one without the plates, however. I'd also want to know why he has decided not to drive it any longer.

Personally, I would not buy this without a pretty thorough inspection, particularly as I'd want some assurance it could reliably get to around 200K miles (321.9K KM).

Why don't you want your Accord? It has the same mileage (kilometerage?), even if it's three years older. I can say from experience that a well maintained Accord from that period will last for 200K miles without major issues. While I like Mazdas, I'm not sure if they age as well, particularly in places where roads are salted each winter.

 

^trying to find a replacement for his Wrecked accord

 

I personally had terrible luck with my 06 Mazda 6, but know others who have had good experiences.

I'd take an older accord or camry over a newer 6 any day

 

^ I didn't know the Accord was wrecked. OK, then if a replacement is needed fairly quickly, it'd be pretty strong consideration. Without a through inspection, however, that's a pretty big gamble.

 

This car is appealing because it's relatively new, the interior is in good shape, and frankly it's dirt cheap.

Zero records, unfortunately. Most I could do with the exhaust is just ask where it was done and do research on that shop.

I know about Mazda's rust issues as well. There is a nickel-sized chip on the front edge of the hood that's rusting, but nothing a little sandpaper and touch-up pen couldn't fix.

I don't know why I forgot to look at the wheel wells. I'm hoping that this being a 2006, I still have a little bit of time to stop major rust from attacking.

He bought it from the original owner, his friend, a year ago and is selling it to go back to school.

As Crabspace mentioned, my Accord was rear-ended and subsequently totaled about two months ago. I'd love to just have it back, but I'm starting to get sick of car-shopping all the time, and really need some wheels. I've been looking for Accords, but a good one is surprisingly hard to find.

I guess the issue now is somehow getting an inspection done without plates. Only way I can think of is a tow truck, and that might be more than the inspection itself.

Vas, what issues did you have with your 6?

 

Not that I know of. Most private party transactions are as is, no warranties expressed or implied. I'd "borrow" plates from another car and get it to a mechanic to check out before even making an offer on it...

 

Well, for the exhaust I was wondering more if a shop or someone competent did it, or if someone got some beers, a hammer and blowtorch and decided he could figure it out.

I understand that the car is dirt cheap. I've also learned that some dirt cheap cars can become expensive quickly. (Although some have worked out very well). I wasn't going to suggest the borrowed plated idea, but now that it's out there, it's better than buying blind, at least.

 

 

This is what I would do.

As much as I love the way the Mazda 6 (especially the hatchback) looks, I would go with an Accord or Camry over it. I still have a bad taste of my 95 Mazda Millenia in my mouth

 

It had 33K miles on it when I bought it, sold it with 35K miles. It was in she shop 5 times throughout a 4 month period. Car would die on me sometimes, sometimes the brakes wouldn't work. They ended up replacing the fuel pump under warranty but could never figure out the brake problem, I said I'm done with it. Car was like new though, had every option, looked like it was well taken care of.

Like I said, it might have just been my experience but it definitely put a sour taste in my mouth.

 

too many miles for a 6...could be a money pit. personally would not get, but its your choice.

 

Wow, I'm surprised. I thought the 6 was a generally well-liked car.

 

It is, but with any car there's going to be those occassional lemons. I was considering a V6 Mazda6 before I found my MS6 and overall the majority of people on the Mazda forums had very good luck with them. I would suggest having it checked out by a mechanic though with that kind of mileage.

 

my buddy has a V6 that is at 158k and climbing. He did have to replace coil packs last year, other than that it has been pretty solid.