QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
I have a 2003 Mazda 6 s (V6) that has been VERY good to me. It has close to 100,000 miles on it as I drive approximately 1200 miles per week. Driving is over a pass == steep uphill and downhill, so driving is not what would be considered "easy". I have replaced brakes once, and need to replace all brakes again very soon. Also, there are likely other fairly major items that need to be done for preventative care at this point (Timing belt, coolant?).
My question: If I pay to fully service my car at this point, I will likely invest about $1,000. Do you know how much "life" I can expect of my car after this point....or....
Does it make more sense to trade in and buy a new Mazda 6s? I test drove today, and although the new model is nice, I like my 2003 car JUST AS MUCH if not more.
I am a single woman and do want a a dependable car, my question is regardubg whether it is a good investment to pay into my old car -- will it last me another 50K --- or, should I take the trade in and buy new now before investing in the future of the old car.
Thanks!
ANSWER: The 6 with the V6 is a reliable car, well engineered platform. As with all man made mechanical things time and wear take effect. It is a car by car situation. I can tell you that this car will likely see another 50k of use, some 6's already as much as 200k to date. You'll have to do the math yourself but a few here and there in maintenance on a paid for car is better than the constant note that comes with the new one.
Get your use out of it, accept that maintenance is part of the game. Your return will be in use at this point rather than in market resale value, however the 100k myth (stigma) will make your car see less and less a resale value as the next 50k go by. If you can accept this and your good if not buy new.
If it's an automatic transmission then the transmission will be your weakest link before 200k. If manual then you should see no problems making it past 200k.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I want to thank you for your reply. I took my '03 Mazda 6s into a mechanic this weekend and it checks out perfectly! Brakes are great, all fluids are clear, etc. Plus I dorve the new '09 Mazda6s, and although impressive, I have to say that I think my car is just as great and, since the V6 engine has a little less HP than the 09, I get better gas mileage. So, all in all, I have fallen in love all over again with my sporty 03, which has all the bells and whistles and a $0.00 car payment!
I appreciate hearing your confirmation of this :-)
Debra
AnswerAnytime, Debra. Enjoy that 0.00 car note for a while. One suggestion I make to customers is pay $30-50 month into a car fund account to cover maintenance and those little unexpected things. It's a drop compared to the note you were paying. All the best.
