To Buy or Not to buy

[Westbound]

Hello everyone!

Looking at making my entry into the Mazdaspeed 6 family and one popped up near me:

Used 2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed6 For Sale | Hillsboro NH JM1GG12L661106429

It’s a 2006 with 200K miles on it, I’m going to take a look at it on Monday (Feb 12th). I’ve been pouring through the forums and have an idea on what to look for, I’m also mechanically inclined not gonna lie 200K miles is a lot and the dealer hasn’t run it through their shop and not offering a state inspection sold as is wont let me test drive off their lot even...

What are some of the things I need to look out for and at? Car fax service history?

Thanks in advance!
~ Ian

[Coltzxli]

Originally Posted by Westbound the dealer hasn’t run it through their shop and not offering a state inspection sold as is wont let me test drive off their lot even... What are some of the things I need to look out for and at? Car fax service history? Thanks in advance! ~ Ian

Ummmmmmmm. What?

Why would you buy a car you havent driven past 15 mph?
What is the dealer hiding?
Why wont it have an inspection?
All of it sounds shady.

[kTaLgsTo]

If they won't let you test drive it, walk away. Don't get emotionally attached to a money pit, you will receive heart ache.

[SaveMelMac]

Could be a good buy for $2k, as with any car with 200k miles expect to put some money into it. But definitely a red flag if they won’t let you test drive or inspect the drive train.

[Westbound]

Thanks everyone, the $2K is hard to resist, however I want a car that I’ll enjoy driving around not a shop queen/money pit. I’m still gonna go take a look on Monday I’m hoping that my powers of in person persuasion will let me test drive off the lot I’ll also be able to take a good look in and under the car.

[Varomnia]

Originally Posted by Westbound Thanks everyone, the $2K is hard to resist, however I want a car that I’ll enjoy driving around not a shop queen/money pit. I’m still gonna go take a look on Monday I’m hoping that my powers of in person persuasion will let me test drive off the lot I’ll also be able to take a good look in and under the car.

200k miles. You don't know the history, but regardless, with that kind of mileage, expect to build the engine within the first year or two of ownership. With the ride being that cheap anyway, I personally wouldn't mind, but I knew what I got myself into. If you're not comfortable spending 2-8 grand replacing a bunch of parts due to age/mileage, the run away and find one that has less mileage and has a well known history.

[JakeMS3]

Honestly, the only way I would buy this is if I’m ready and willing to just get the engine built. There is something going on where they won’t let you test drive it and they also can’t get it inspected? Something going on in my opinion, but it’s also $2k. If you don’t have money set aside for immediate repairs and maintenance I would walk away.

[Pu Manchu]

buy it if the idea of rebuilding most of it appeals to you.

the odds of that car not needing at least 5,000 dollars of work are zero.

[Westbound]

Thanks for the input, I have about 3K set aside (tax return) on top of the $2K potential car purchase itself, however that $5K put me near the price of another mazdaspeed up in ME. Got it guys, go guarded and expect the worst.

[Westbound]

Looks like it wasn’t meant to be with this one, was actually sold this past Saturday dealer called up this morning before I headed out. Oh well the hunt continues, thanks to everyone again that provided input!

[kTaLgsTo]

The buyer did you a favor, now you can find a better car