Went to see a car today

Pixel

Pixel

Pixel

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A Mazda MX-3 1.8i V6.

I didn't buy it in the end due to a couple of reasons, but there were a few issues with the car that hopefully some of you might be able to diagnose. I don't know much about cars in general so any advice would be great.

The first issue was a loud squeaking noise whenever it went over bumps in the road, the dealer said it was probably a loose mounting bracket for the exhaust, but with no way to get under the car this couldn't be verified. The second issue was that the car just felt a bit sluggish, and I had to take it up to 6000 RPMs before getting into 5th, not doing so would make it very slow, it had no "bite" to it. I don't know if this is normal for this type of car, the dealer said that these cars are high RPM and it's normal.

Any advice/opinions are welcome, I would also appreciate suggestions for similar types of cars to consider buying.
 
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yes a 1.8 v6. Quite a good little engine if i remember correctly. A good amount of torque due to being a v6 compared to a run of the mill 1.8 four pot iirc.

according to the data website the engine makes peak power at 6800rpm, but then mazda engines usually are quite revvy, so not sure on that one

Squeaking could be anything really, from something in the cabin, to suspension bushes etc.

Whats your budget?
 
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You do have to rev this engine pretty hard to get decent power from it, but how slow you perceived it to be would really depend on what you have been driving recently.
 
Thomas. PLease. said:
yes a 1.8 v6. Quite a good little engine if i remember correctly. An abnormal amount of torque due to being a v6 compared to a run of the mill 1.8 four pot.
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Sadly not. It has no more torque than most 1.8L 4 cylinder engines and a bit less than some. This is why it produces it's (higher than average) maximum power at a higher than average RPM (~6800RPM)
 
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I test drove one before buying an ST24, and found it to be smooth but gutless, I was expecting it to have much more 'poke' about it.
 
Thomas. PLease. said:
yes a 1.8 v6. Quite a good little engine if i remember correctly. A good amount of torque due to being a v6 compared to a run of the mill 1.8 four pot iirc.

according to the data website the engine makes peak power at 6800rpm, but then mazda engines usually are quite revvy, so not sure on that one

Squeaking could be anything really, from something in the cabin, to suspension bushes etc.

Whats your budget?
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Thanks.

Budget is £1500 max, I'm poor. :(

I might reconsider the MX-3, but I didn't go through with it before not only because of the aforementioned issues, but also because the dealer wouldn't budge on the price at all, and the price is already quite high for one of these as it is.

The car is also untaxed and he wasn't willing to tax it for the asking price either. Furthermore when I made an offer he flew into a long-winded rant about how I'm expecting to get something for nothing, how I'll never find an MX-3 in such good condition anywhere else, and how dealers, like customers, aren't fools or something to that extent.

Bit of a weird day.
 
can anyone say, mmmMM

seriously though, have a look at a mondeo though, bags of choice at that price range, you'll even be able to afford the st24 2.5 v6. REasonable comfortable, cheap running costs, an abundance of parts available. etc.
 
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Pixel said:
The car is also untaxed and he wasn't willing to tax it for the asking price either. Furthermore when I made an offer he flew into a long-winded rant about how I'm expecting to get something for nothing, how I'll never find an MX-3 in such good condition anywhere else, and how dealers, like customers, aren't fools or something to that extent.

Bit of a weird day.
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Don't bother going back, he sounds like a bit of a fool. If he's not willing to negotiate on price he'll likely be stuck with it for some time since they aren't particularly sought after cars.
 
Thomas. PLease. said:
can anyone say, mmmMM

seriously though, have a look at a mondeo though, bags of choice at that price range, you'll even be able to afford the st24 2.5 v6. REasonable comfortable, cheap running costs, an abundance of parts available. etc.
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Thanks, I'll consider it, but I do tend to prefer Japanese cars.

Dogbreath said:
Don't bother going back, he sounds like a bit of a fool. If he's not willing to negotiate on price he'll likely be stuck with it for some time since they aren't particularly sought after cars.
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Thanks, I'll wait it out for now. He might change his mind about negotiating the price at a later date, he has my phone number anyway.
 
They guy sounds a bit of a dick to be honest. If someone isn't treating you with respect then walk away. They are most likely dodgy or trying to hide something wrong with the car. And also, for cheap cars, i'd be a lot more inclined to go for a private sale. You get to talk to the owner and ask important questions about how its been looked after. Just take your time and don't rush yourself into buying. Don't buy on impulse either. Good luck with the search.
 
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