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…..
