Used Mazda3 Inspection

[got_mike33]

So I am looking at buying a 2006 Mazda3 privately and was wondering if anyone knew of a good place to take it for a buyer inspection. I've been doing a ton of reading on all the used car threads but there doesn't seem to be any recommendations from after 2006.

I know of the AMA approved inspection centers (Nikkon and Certech) but was looking for any other independents that might specialize in Japanese models or are just really good like Bert and Jack's (I know they specialize in euro models but get such good reviews)

Thanks in advance!

[revelations]

Doesent CAA have a centre in town somewhere as well?

In Vancouver I used to call CAA to come onsite to the vehicle and do an onsite inspection. They were very good.

[Tomaz]

You don't need a specialist in Japanese cars in order to get an inspection done. Especially for a car as common as the Mazda 3.

Integra Tire, Kal Tire, Canadian Tire. Almost any shop would be able to check it out for you.

[arian_ma]

Originally posted by Tomaz
You don't need a specialist in Japanese cars in order to get an inspection done. Especially for a car as common as the Mazda 3.

Integra Tire, Kal Tire, Canadian Tire. Almost any shop would be able to check it out for you.

But really, do you trust what a place like Canadian Tire tells you about the condition of the mechanics of your car?

[freshprince1]

Integron Auto did a great inspection on the Mazda3 I bought a few years back. They're in the SouthEast on 114th Ave.

[got_mike33]

Haha yeah, I would never take it to Canadian Tire...

Thanks for the tip freshprince, but that's too far south, I should have specified I was looking for somewhere in the NW.

[Tomaz]

Originally posted by arian_ma

But really, do you trust what a place like Canadian Tire tells you about the condition of the mechanics of your car?

Meh, for just an inspection? why not? It's just a visual inspection almost anybody in the car world would be able to do by themselves. Check tires, brake pad thickness, fluid levels, belt condition, Oil Condition, etc. All the stuff that should be part of your weekly/monthly walk-around.

Would I ever get work done there? Never in my life. lol



Sorry got_mike33, I don't know of any shops in the NW. I usually stick to the Integra Tire on McLeod.

[got_mike33]

Originally posted by Tomaz


Meh, for just an inspection? why not? It's just a visual inspection almost anybody in the car world would be able to do by themselves. Check tires, brake pad thickness, fluid levels, belt condition, Oil Condition, etc. All the stuff that should be part of your weekly/monthly walk-around.

Would I ever get work done there? Never in my life. lol



Sorry got_mike33, I don't know of any shops in the NW. I usually stick to the Integra Tire on McLeod.

Yeah I don't know to what degree a used car inspection needs. After all the recent threads about people unknowingly buying lemons and because they did not get them inspected I am definitely willing to pay a bit more to get a full inspection done. The one the AMA approved shops offer is a 201-point inspection so I would imagine that covers basically everything.

This is my first car so I am definitely trying not to make any of the usual mistakes!

Thanks Tomaz!

[nixrx8]

Take it to Stoney Trail Mazda in the NW?

[5fivespeed]

Also, look into the VIN to see if the Power Steering Pump recall has been done. The P/S pump had a recall since they failed on multiple 3's. Other than that, great car.

Ray

[Rat Fink]

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[ExtraSlow]

Bump from the past. Any new reccomendations? How have people found dealerships to be when buying a car privately? I imagine they have a vested interest in making the private sale look bad so you are steered towards the "certified" units at the dealer. Or am I just paranoid?

Looking at Altima, Accord and Fusion, a few nice examples out there.

[lilmira]

I doubt it. The service side would have very little to do with the sale side. It's quite profitable to keep a happy customer for service or you can jeopardize the deal pissing the guy off from keeping a Mazda or whatever, no money for you.

[Doozer]

Every car I've had inspected has been at the local dealership. It just makes sense - if anything, they might be a bit more picky, which is only going to help your case if you're the buyer. You know they're not going to skip things, because they want the service dollars.

[ExtraSlow]

maybe I'm paranoid, but I have trust issues when it comes to dealerships. I assume somehow they'll screw me over.

[revelations]

Places like dealerhips will hose you for a simple inspection.

Places like CT will miss obvious issues, unless you can SPECIFICALLY secure a tech who is competent.