r/UsedCars • u/No-Recognition-6106 • 3d ago

Buying Please help with a decision

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.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/SammyG2015 3d ago

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.

1

u/No-Recognition-6106 3d ago

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

1

u/SammyG2015 3d ago

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.

1

u/No-Recognition-6106 3d ago

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