05 lava in Mesa

[miatalvr1]

 Cardinale Way Mazda in Mesa has an msm with 70k for 9999.The car is from Glendale,one owner.Does mazda track service history thru vin# ? Does this seem like a fair price?
  Terry

[GeezeSpeed]

I actually stopped by there a few weeks ago to check it out.  

The LO is a bit rundown.  Interior has more wear than the average NB Mazda.  There's also an odd electronic device under the steering column.  Had their mechanic check it out and he wasn't even sure what it was.  It's got wire antenna on it so I think it's probably for auto-start or something but why would the previous owners install such a thing in AZ?  Might be an aftermarket alarm, but I couldn't find a siren under the engine bay.  Suspension is "floaty" so you'll probably have to swap out the struts.  The radio antenna doesn't retract all the way down.  There's some 4"-8 scratches around the body, i believe rear driver quarter and driverside door.  No engine mods, looks stock.  Headlights are cloudy from sun burn.  The interior of the cloth top is worn as well, the previous owner(s) might have left it down more than they should've.  

I requested a carfax and if I remember correctly, there was 4 owners.  No redflags.  The dealership DID buy it from an auction.  Their original asking price was $17k.  

I offered $7.7k and they passed.  Personally, I wouldn't pay no more than 8k out the door.  I'm stating this because I have had two NB's (LS and MSM) and this LO is in rough shape.

Funny thing, the sales person actually called me this week to let me know they dropped the price.

Good luck to those interested.

(Yes, we all would probably expect my findings from a 70k mileage NB however the previous owners didn't take care of it like if it was somewhat of a special car.  Just my opinion and $0.04)

[miatalvr1]

 Thanks GeezeSpeed,I thought there might be something!
 Terry

[Bob Loblaw]

I agree that it must be in rough shape as it needs new struts. 

[HELLIONMX5]

8 for an LO, what is their number?

[MX5forme]

The car doesn't look bad from the pics, I might just need to go down to check it out. The green (nitrogen) valve stem covers do look a bit odd though. It also looks like it has a red stitching shift knob instead of the silver stitching.

[mark13]

I guess your talking about Mesa AZ and not Mesa Cal .. I have a one owner 2004 MSM forsale @ Surprise AZ,  it has 13500 miles ...$13000   

[GeezeSpeed]

8 for an LO, what is their number?

Google...... Autotrader....

Let us know how it works out for you, their asking is 9,999.99 BTW.

[MX5forme]

Here is the listing

http://www.cardinalewaymazda.com/used-inventory/index.htm?reset=InventoryListing#invHistory:reset=InventoryListing&inventoryView=fullview&invtype=used&SByear=2005&SBmake=Mazda&SBmodel=MX-5%20Miata&SBbodystyle=clear&certified=clear&=&start=0

[miatalvr1]

 I spoke with a salesman (Lee)several times on the phone.He let me know that a mechanic that knows the car suggested I pass on it as it has an oil leak that will need to be fixed.I was pleasantly surprised to have a salesman be so upfront.
 Terry

[miatalvr1]

 I am looking at buying a lava so I have another one I am checking out.Since I live in BC(Canada) I have to check as best as possible from a distance.I'm wondering if anyone knows about an 05 lava at Jabaay Motors in  Lansing IL.It has some mods,larger turbo,exhaust plus?
 The dealer is asking 14,800 and it has 32k.
 Thanks
 Terry

[GeezeSpeed]

IMO, @ 70k... You're better off spending an extra 3-4K to get a clean MSM.  That's just me though. I wouldn't "work" myself over this MSM being LO.  Heck, I'll sell you my clean 04, MSM with 30k miles (with just FM DP) for 13k.

[GeezeSpeed]

IMO, purchasing a modified car is "one" thing from purchasing a slightly modified car.  Especially being that this is an upgraded "turbo".  I'd be interested in knowing about the fuel and EMS setup.  that's just me though.

 

[Sonny]

I actually stopped by there a few weeks ago to check it out.  

The LO is a bit rundown.  Interior has more wear than the average NB Mazda.  There's also an odd electronic device under the steering column.  Had their mechanic check it out and he wasn't even sure what it was.  It's got wire antenna on it so I think it's probably for auto-start or something but why would the previous owners install such a thing in AZ?  Might be an aftermarket alarm, but I couldn't find a siren under the engine bay.  Suspension is "floaty" so you'll probably have to swap out the struts.  The radio antenna doesn't retract all the way down.  There's some 4"-8 scratches around the body, i believe rear driver quarter and driverside door.  No engine mods, looks stock.  Headlights are cloudy from sun burn.  The interior of the cloth top is worn as well, the previous owner(s) might have left it down more than they should've.  

I requested a carfax and if I remember correctly, there was 4 owners.  No redflags.  The dealership DID buy it from an auction.  Their original asking price was $17k.  

I offered $7.7k and they passed.  Personally, I wouldn't pay no more than 8k out the door.  I'm stating this because I have had two NB's (LS and MSM) and this LO is in rough shape.

Funny thing, the sales person actually called me this week to let me know they dropped the price.

Good luck to those interested.

(Yes, we all would probably expect my findings from a 70k mileage NB however the previous owners didn't take care of it like if it was somewhat of a special car.  Just my opinion and $0.04)

I find it hard to believe that Cardinale Way purchased a car in this condition at auction. New car dealers want used cars in good condition on their lots and if they get one like this, they typically sell it to a used car dealer. I once had a summer job with a new car dealer. Went to the auction and drove the purchased cars back to the dealership. The dealer never purchased a car in the condition described.  I also have some experience with Cardinale Way in Mesa. I purchased a new 2006 Mazda Tribute there and had my MSM serviced there several times. The service writers were less than honest. One example, at 20k, they told me my fuel filter needed replacement. When I asked why, they said "AZ has dirty gas". I responded that I just got here so my gas isn't dirty yet.

[rstange1]

I am looking at buying a lava so I have another one I am checking out.Since I live in BC(Canada) I have to check as best as possible from a distance.I'm wondering if anyone knows about an 05 lava at Jabaay Motors in  Lansing IL.It has some mods,larger turbo,exhaust plus?
 The dealer is asking 14,800 and it has 32k.
 Thanks
 Terry

Terry, don't know if Lava Orange is a must-have or not for you. If not, there is a a very low mile '05 MSM GT (leather, Velocity Red) for sale in Calgary that may be of interest: http://canadiannationalmiataclub.yuku.com/topic/2801/t/FS-2005-MSM-Miata-3251-actual-miles-Calgary.html
Relatively close to home, RIV already dealt with and reasonable price for Canada, considering mileage.

Best of luck!