Need some quick advise on Mazda 5

[Denly]

Need a decent beater as my gf have family members visiting and staying for a couple month, she drive a cooper so it isn't going to work. I able to find a cheap 2007 Mazda5 with 180k km for cheap(very) at a used car dealer, let me know what you guys think I tested it last night.

Pro
body and interior are good
Price is good
Size is good
Clutch is good
30days warranty
Min rust
drive solid mostly

Con
exhaust leak - he said he will fix it
beat up steelie
Need tires - come with beat up winters
The rear don't feel very solid, I am not sure if it is the winter tires or bushings or shock or the other things. Should be too expensive if I have to deal with it down the road.
Shifter - like many other used manual car it feel beat up(not very precise)
I can't hear the engine because of the leak
engine sound ok when the hood is open
Let say I am driving 60km @ 3rd gear, if I let go the gas it sound awful kinda of like a big rig. Not sure if it is the leak or something else.
No idea on the timing belts(or is it chain?) waterpump.

I got an update from the dealer this morning and I am 100% right.

couple exhaust leak(front and back), rear sway bar linkage, front brake, front strut(1) and they will fix them. Car will come with safety/etest.

Yea or nay?

Expect to drive it for 10k in the next few month, will you do it? I don't want it to found dead on the road during road trip even with CAA.

 

[JEDIYoda]

yea...nay...ehhhh

 

[core2slow]

At what point do people think "yea, this cheap POS is perfect for transporting the life of love ones."

 

[Denly]

At what point do people think "yea, this cheap POS is perfect for transporting the life of love ones."

I don't understand the logic behind this, I drove a lot off "POS" in my time and they rarely give me issue. People can only afford what they can afford right? Rent a Van for a couple week cost ...$700-1k? Buy a beater cost...$3-4k? Engine/tranny don't just die, they have sign. Which one is money well spend?

1. Older family members staying for 2mth, crawl in and out a fking cooper everyday, rent a van for road trip for $1k. Everyone lost.

2. Older family members staying for 2mth, paid $4k for a beater, olders get in and out of a small mini van everyday, road trip using the beater. Sell it for 4k. take a loss for the tax amount. Everyone happy?

 

[deathBOB]

If you are just keeping it for a little bit (and assuming little or no depreciation), why not get something nicer that won't need any repairs or is at risk of breaking down? You'll have to lock up more money and pay a bit more in sales tax, but that seems worth it for peace of mind.

 

[Denly]

If you are just keeping it for a little bit (and assuming little or no depreciation), why not get something nicer that won't need any repairs or is at risk of breaking down? You'll have to lock up more money and pay a bit more in sales tax, but that seems worth it for peace of mind.

Anything that fit will be more than double the $. Like I say this drive reasonable well.

 

[core2slow]

I don't understand the logic behind this, I drove a lot off "POS" in my time and they rarely give me issue. People can only afford what they can afford right? Rent a Van for a couple week cost ...$700-1k? Buy a beater cost...$3-4k? Engine/tranny don't just die, they have sign. Which one is money well spend?

1. Older family members staying for 2mth, crawl in and out a fking cooper everyday, rent a van for road trip for $1k. Everyone lost.

2. Older family members staying for 2mth, paid $4k for a beater, olders get in and out of a small mini van everyday, road trip using the beater. Sell it for 4k. take a loss for the tax amount. Everyone happy?

Because according to your post, there's a few drivetrain and suspension issues, not your run-of-the-mill paint chips, bumper loose, missing radio button, etc. And if i read your post right, you're planning on driving 10k mi for the next few months? 10,000 miles on a car with engine/tranny/suspension problems?! It's your money man, so if a POS mazda with 180k is worth it to transport family members for 10k miles then it sounds like you've already made your decision.

 

[Denly]

Because according to your post, there's a few drivetrain and suspension issues, not your run-of-the-mill paint chips, bumper loose, missing radio button, etc. And if i read your post right, you're planning on driving 10k mi for the next few months? 10,000 miles on a car with engine/tranny/suspension problems?! It's your money man, so if a POS mazda with 180k is worth it to transport family members for 10k miles then it sounds like you've already made your decision.

There were suspension issues, I think tranny is good.

And it was 10k km - more like 5000 km - on a 180k km car. Take 40% off and that is miles for you my US bro.

I appreciated your concerns which are my concerns as well but money is tight and this is the best solution we can come up with.

 

[Denly]

Update

Back from the dealer put down a $300 deposit, he promise to fix everything up and let me test again tomorrow. If anything I don't like I can take the money back and go.

 

[NutBucket]

How much are you paying for this car?

 

[Zor Prime]

Drop the GF. Solved.