Question:  Could you tell me what is a good price for the following? Thanks in advance!

Year: 2004
Make: Mazda
Model: 3 5-door automatic
Trim: s grand touring with navigation
Mileage: 35000
Buying or Selling? Buying
From Private Party or From A Dealership? Private Party

Queen of the Road: Hi there! Welcome to our blog. I’ve got wholesale prices for that model, but it doesn’t include the navigation prices.

For a 2004 Mazda3 5D Sedan GT with 35,000 miles, prices range from $12,400 (being in above average condition) to $10,300 (being in average condition) and $8,200 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $9,200 to $13,800.

Purchasing pre-owned cars is the way to go. Especially now. Make sure to check Carfax and do plenty of research on the history of the vehicle. Ask for their maintenance records. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection. Good luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

Question From Shazman: Going to sell:

2006 Mazda 3 s sedan
5-speed manual
Sunroof/6CD package
29500 miles
Velocity Red
ZIP: 23112

Carmax offered $11,500 but I turned it down. What can I realistically get for this on autotrader or newspaper ads? I am getting about 32mpg. Thanks for your time.

Queen of the Road: Hi Shazman! You’ve come to the right place for the inside scoop.

For a 2006 Mazda3 S with 29,500 miles, prices range from $13,900 (being in above average condition) to $12,900 (being in average condition) and $12,000 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $13,500 to $15,500.

$11,500?  Wow, Carmax went real low. They never cease to amaze me. I recommend that you post your car online, Craigslist and AutoTrader. Take plenty of pictures of the car. Pull out all those maintenance records, get the car washed, etc.

Take a look at this article: 7 Steps To A Smooth Car Sale

Question: Help a brother out!

Year: 2004
Make: Mazda
Model: Mazda6 4 dr sedan
Engine: 2.3L I4
Trans: Auto
Mileage: 66k

AND/OR

Year: 2004
Make: Honda
Model: Element
Engine: 2.4L I4
Trans: Auto
Mileage: 63k

No extras on either. Thanks for the help!

Queen of the Road:  All the figures listed below are wholesale prices.  Most dealerships have about a minimum 12%-14% markup from wholesale prices. So add that percentage to these figures and that’s what you should expect a salesman to ask for.

For a 2004 Mazda 6 Sedan I with 66,000 miles, prices can range from $8,900 (being in above average condition) to $7,500 (being in average condition) and $6,100 (being below average condition).

For a 2004 Honda Element 2WD EX with 63,000 miles, prices can range from $11,200 (being in above average condition) to $9,600 (being in average condition) and $8,000 (being below average condition).

Happy Car Shopping & Happy New Year!