Hey, guys.

I'm currently driving a 2006 Explorer V8 and I'm wanting to get into something more fun to drive (and something with at least slightly better fuel economy). So I came upon this Mazda 6 wagon with a manual and I'm kind of in love. What are your thoughts, guys? Do you think it's a good price? Things to look out for if I test drive it? Anything else? It looks pretty good to me so far.

Knoxville Used Cars | 2004 Mazda Mazda6 S 5-speed w/Leather/Sunroof/17" Alloy Wheels S 5-speed w/Leather/Sunroof/17" Alloy Wheels | RoadRunner Motors

 

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

It looks very clean. I would look underneath for signs of oil leaks and rust. Don't buy rust belt cars. If it lived it's whole life in TN then it will not have rust issues. The gas mileage is pretty bad on those but other than that they are great cars. It being a manual trans you may get decent gas mileage. Looks like it was taken care of judging by the pics. A highly rated car overall.

 

I think it is easy to fall in love with this one.
Give it a good test drive. Ask for Carfax and/or other records, consider having it inspected. Check dealer ratings/ reviews.
These bodies rust out at the rear wheel wells. Pay particular attention right there.
The exhaust system is a bit awkwardly designed. Check UseYourNoggin's posts.
Inquire about any repair done to the clutch. This would be an expensive item. That price looks very good for this clean car, but only if the clutch holds up.

I think I would take that gamble. In fact I have fallen in love with this one too. (Don't worry, I am too far away to snap it away from you).

 

Mileage is getting quite high. Remember the more miles a car does the bigger the servicing & repair costs will be. Things start wearing out, bushes,shocks, CVs etc.

 

Thanks, guys!

My Explorer has about 132,000 miles on it so I'm not too worried about the mileage (unless the car in question is notoriously unreliable, and the Mazda 6 doesn't seem to be so). I do like to work on my own stuff as long as it's not extremely difficult. I may be able to check it out on the 3rd as we're in Ontario right now and we're driving back tomorrow and the next day (or in one day, I'm not sure yet) and the dealership is right along 75. But if not then I don't know when - it's about 4 hours away from my house in Columbus, GA.

 

From Toronto to Columbus Ga it would be about 1000 miles. We just went from Iowa to Eastern NC, 1300miles. We stayed in Georgetown KY, near Lexington. I think that's what I would be doing: day 1 drive to maybe London, KY, then day 2 stop by at the dealership. That would give you plenty time to check over the car.

Happy New Year!

 

Unfortunately we weren't able to stop by the dealership as we decided to come back in 1 day (we got home at 1 AM) partly because my brother had to go somewhere else today once we got back. I may try to go tomorrow, and if not tomorrow then maybe some time within the next week. We'll see.

 

check the top of the fuel filler cap to make sure the guy has been on top of his maitenance. if it is really dirty i would think twice about buying a car with that many km on it. it is clean but i wouldnt call it the best deal, my friend just bought an 07 GT sport package with the duratec 30 v6 with 60k miles for 8K. that one is still a good deal though just make sure the engine and transmission work well

 

Well, dang, that guy got a pretty sweet deal. If I do go through with getting this car (and I really want it quite badly), I'll definitely try to bargain it down in price.