To FLU: Well, it is perfect condition, BUT, things go wrong. Recently, I needed a new turn signal thing and a Master Cylinder. They had to order the Master Cylinder from Phoenix (which got delivered to Irvine, groan), and the turn signal had to be found at a junkyard, and was still $150. (New from dealer would have been $376) Thus, it took 2 1/2 days in the shop, just waiting on parts. It is a Mazda Protege 1995–136,000 miles. I have had it since 2000.
I want to buy a Mazda 3. They are still made in Japan. I just called them, and they said no to credit cards (conflict–when you buy a car there is no returning it, but if you buy on CC then you have 30 days to return) but they have 0% financing for 36 months, for qualifying buyers, which is me–I have a high FICO score.
Never had a car payment in my life (always buy used cars in cash) and I am SWEATING this. With a hefty car payment, it would restrict me to save for the house I want in the next few years. On the other hand, I work 2 jobs, and cannot have my car out of operation unexpectedly, and for days at a time. What a crossroads…..
I think you might consider getting another mechanic. While your car isn't considered new. It's not exactly old to warrant having trouble finding parts. A master cylinder for your car shouldn't be hard to source..If fact, you could order it yourself online and have it shipped to you freww without take. Shouldn't have cost you more than $120-$150, and labor on these cars shouldn't be that much because they are not that difficult to work on. Try working on a german car, and you'll know what I mean.
Chinese-Vietnamese dude that does a relatively decent job at a pretty cheap price. Opened on saturdays. Oil changes with filter are like $15. Other services are pretty cheap, decent labor rates. (Though, don't undestimate this dude's net worth. He lives in carmel valley and sends his kids to private schools. No I don't know him personally. Ran into him a few times in CV on sundays). I use to take my japanese beaters before we sold them.
Save some money and save up on the house. If you must buy a new car, perhaps consider a Hyundai. I wouldn't mind buying a Sonota these days as a commuter/heavy use car. I think the designs are looking pretty good, the safety rating is good, and you can't beat the warranty. The Korean car manufacturers have really caught up. Japanese cars are SO overrated these days. Look at how many times Toyota has issued recalls. The other thing you want to watch out for if you decide to buy a used Mazda 3. Make sure it's not one of them that they recovered from the Cougar Ace
