Thoughts If This Is a Good Buy?

[Smallville]

First time poster so I apologize in advance if asking for this kinda advice is taboo.

I finally found a MS3 that fits my budget and has minimal mods. From my limited knowledge this seems like a decent buy but wanted to get your guys' opinion. Aside from the craigslist details, I found out that it's been through 2 owners. The first one had it for ~80k miles but with no maintenance records. The current owner has had it for a year and has only needed oil changes. It has the original turbo and VVT so I'll pay extra attention when looking at the car. You guys think this is a decent buy?

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/6261082443.html

Also seems to me that it's a question of when, not if, the VVT will need replacement. Anybody know of a good independent shop/dealership for doing this work around San Jose CA?

[Djohns]

Damn if I ever sell my car I need to do it in cali. Could get that much cheaper here in IL.

[Smallville]

Originally Posted by Djohns Damn if I ever sell my car I need to do it in cali. Could get that much cheaper here in IL.

I'll take that as a no

Funny enough, I grew up in Illinois. Leave it Cali to have everything more expensive. Anybody else care to chime in? I'm still considering making 2.5 hour trip to take a look at the car.

[btstarcher]

You will need to replace the VVT actuator at some point, even if it's fine now. You're better off finding one that's already had it done, or negotiate it into the price. Knock off $1000-$1500. I'd also check compression of ANY of these cars before buying.

[2008mazdaspeed3!]

^ I also second getting or seeing a compression test. Should be the first thing you ask/do. If that checks out and runs/shifts/drives good and body is decently clean I'd say anywhere between 6500-7500 would be a great deal.

[Smallville]

Thanks guys, I wanted this MS3 so bad that I was ignoring logic but your input cleared my head.

Offered the seller $7300 and was declined at this time. I'll give it a week or two before checking back in. Now to play the waiting game

[Smallville]

Price negotiated! Wonders what some time will do.

I'm having trouble coordinating schedules to get a pre-purchase inspection done on the car so I might just have to look it over and do a compression test myself. For piece of mind, can someone with CARFAX run the VIN for me?

JM1BK34M681116200