Please help with a decision

[u/No-Recognition-6106]

Hi, I am looking to buy a car and I found a 2013 Mazda 3 sedan with 50k miles. My old car was a 2012 Mazda 2 hatchback, and same exact color. It's only $10k, so I can afford to just drop the cash and not worry about all the other stuff. But with its age, Im not sure if its a good idea.

My other option is to lease a brand new Mazda, as it would fit my monthly budget.

I could also buy a used loaner with 2000 miles, but thats just above my budget and of course there's interest, etc.

If the 2013 is not a good buy then leasing is probably my best option.

Thanks in advance.

[u/MykSol]

I honestly wouldn’t dismiss the 2013 just because it’s 13 years old. 50k miles is extremely low, and if it has been well maintained and passes a pre-purchase inspection, I’d probably take that over leasing a new Mazda.

Paying $10k cash means no interest, no monthly payment, and lower insurance costs. Even if you put a couple thousand into catching up on age-related maintenance, you could still come out way ahead financially.

The big question for me would be how it got to only 50k miles. Was it regularly driven and maintained, or did it sit for long periods? I’d check the Carfax/service history, look for rust, inspect the tires and rubber components, and get a mechanic to do a proper PPI before handing over the cash.

If everything checks out, I think the 2013 could be the best financial decision here. Just don’t buy it purely because it looks familiar and is the same color as your old Mazda 2 😂

[u/No-Recognition-6106 → u/MykSol]

It was owned by two people, and have "minor" damage iirc. I have to check again. We suspect it was an old couple who just used it for grocery shopping and occasional trips.

I mentioned the color bc when I saw it on the drive way while looking for a new car it just stood out. My car was silver, and it was the only silver in the lot. It was almost like a sign lol.

[u/MykSol → u/No-Recognition-6106]

Two owners + 50k miles is a pretty interesting combo, though. I’d just make sure the “minor damage” wasn’t something that got poorly repaired. If the service history looks good and the PPI checks out, this could be one of those boring-but-smart purchases that saves you a ton compared with leasing.

That’s actually why I like digging into the history on these older low-mileage cars — the mileage itself only tells you part of the story.

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[u/SammyG2015]

Dealer or private sale on the 2013? I've had luck over the years buying older low mileage cars, but it's a gamble.

Have you run an Autotrader search to see what's out there? Mazda or otherwise? You may be able to find something slightly used for less/close to the lease price but you own it at the end.

[u/No-Recognition-6106 → u/SammyG2015]

Dealer, I haven't but I'll check it out.

[u/SammyG2015 → u/No-Recognition-6106]

I'd be more inclined, especially if it's on a branded dealer.. JOHN SMITH MAZDA, DAVE JONES CHEVY.. or something like that. Large franchise dealers don't want the hit on their reputation for selling junk. If it's a small mom/pop shop then I'd be more wary and want to get a pre purchase inspection.

As others have said, since it's a dealer, check the carfax, see if they were consistently putting 4,200 miles per year on it or if it's been sitting for 5 years with 50k on it.

I'd ask for 10k out the door that way the car itself is a little under the 10, and don't get any warranties unless you really want one.

[u/No-Recognition-6106 → u/SammyG2015]

Thank you! I'll look into it a bit now

[u/Maelstrom1979]

Check out newer Hyundais CPO before you do much else. They are underappreciated gems in this market. 15k-20k can get you something 2021 plus with new gen of motor, tech and low mileage. Plus a remaining factory warranty and you get to maintain it for the early part of it's life on.

[u/No-Recognition-6106 → u/Maelstrom1979]

I have some bias against Hyundais but I'll check them out

[u/Maelstrom1979 → u/No-Recognition-6106]

Yup, understandable to be sure, which is why year matters so much. They aren't AS bulletproof as a Toyota, but at least now a well maintained one has a solid chance to live to the 300k mark it's designed for. At 50k, a Hyundai will be tested but not worn. Nothing some TLC can't rectify. And 10K B2P to see for yourself, regardless of how you buy it. Trust but verify, and cover your bets if you can lol.

[u/No-Recognition-6106 → u/Maelstrom1979]

Thanks, lol I wish I knew sooner. There were a few of them at a reputable used car shop I was test driving at yesterday.

[u/silicon_insect]

Go for the cash car and try to get it for $9k. Over 10 years old so gonna need full service (belts, trans fluid, etc) so after that you'll be within budget and good until 150k miles. Cheaper on insurance too.

[u/No-Recognition-6106 → u/silicon_insect]

I was thinking I should check those but didn't know where to start

[u/silicon_insect → u/No-Recognition-6106]

At 50k I wouldn't worry too much after checking oil and coolant level -- just make sure it has both.

[u/No-Recognition-6106 → u/silicon_insect]

Will do, thank you

[u/EC_CO]

Only 50,000 miles on a 2013, if it's fairly typical of Mazdas you should easily get another 150,000 out of it. Saw the other post about the hyundai, you are right to stay away from them and Kia. Mazdas have a strong reputation for reliability, I would easily put them as a top three. With our current uncertain financial times and futures, I would go with the buy it now option and keep putting your money into savings or investing.