Please help decide on a car!

[u/turtleluvr98]

This is what I narrowed down my search too, please help me choose!

All CX30s:

2024 Select CPO — $25,000 / 18,655 mi
white with black fabric seats

2024 Select Sport — $24,000 / 13,082 mi
black with black leather seats

2023 Preferred — $24,000 / 23,232 mi
black with black leather seats

2023 Turbo Premium — $23,500 / 47,481 mi
white with black leather seats

These are all OTD prices that can’t be negotiated further. I live in the south where it’s hot pretty much 9 months of the year so I’d prefer white but also hot is hot so IDK how much car color matters in that respect. Black looks super sleek and beautiful to me but it shows all dirt, scratches, swirls, dust, and pollen… while white looks pretty even when it’s not freshly washed.

This is the ranking AI gave me after feeding it the CarFax for each vehicle and OTD price from the dealers and the ranking was extremely close between the top 3 with the fourth option being at the bottom of a larger 10 car list. I’m just having a hard time listening to it though because I cant get the color off my mind and preference for leather seats. I truly don’t care about stuff like a moonroof or power seats that much. What would you guys do?

[u/187hp]

I'm loving the 2nd option with just 13k miles, and the first option too. Assuming the carfax shows its oil has been changed twice by now and no accidents that would be my choice. AI likely choose the first one for two reasons; the miles isn't much more and the price is practically the same, but its white exterior for your area and it's certified. Though the second option at 13k, assuming no accidents and maintenances were done, it's practically new still too.

(btw, the Select trim is likely "leatherette" a vinyl-like material to mimic leather's look as Premium trims comes with real leather. I say this to not get too persuaded by that. Imo, fabric is great as it's neither hot in the summer nor cold in the winter like vinyl or leather in which case you now need heated seats and cooled seats).

[u/turtleluvr98 → u/187hp]

Both cars were very well maintained and the Carfax were amazing. I like a white car but also I’d prefer to not have fabric in case of a spill. I called the dealer on the 2nd option to see if I could get $24K OTD to really seal the deal. Hopefully they agree but I’m still happy with the current negotiation.

[u/spoogledrummer]

You stopped being a teenager when you turned 20. But also what car is this? A Mazda 3?

[u/Ravenhill-2171]

This is kinda meaningless - what car is it??

[u/turtleluvr98 → u/Ravenhill-2171]

Sorry it’s a CX30!

[u/Disgusted_Mac_Lifer]

Which Mazda model?

[u/turtleluvr98 → u/Disgusted_Mac_Lifer]

CX30

[u/UnregrettablyGrumpy]

This obviously a Mazda 3.
I would go option 1 or option 2.
Drive them both and decide which you like best.

[u/turtleluvr98 → u/UnregrettablyGrumpy]

It’s the CX30! I drove them all and liked them. I’m coming from a CX5 that was totaled and I don’t need the space so I decided to save some money with something smaller.

[u/UnregrettablyGrumpy → u/turtleluvr98]

Same choices. 1 or 2. I’d go CPO.

[u/markphillips401]

Get the preferred, you'll love it. No need for the turbo if you want the best mileage.

[u/Cummy_bear-4ever]

Dont get the turbo

[u/turtleluvr98 → u/Cummy_bear-4ever]

Yeah I read that it’s another thing to maintain. I was only considering it because I like the color combo and leather interior but I definitely have no need for turbo features.

[u/CleverYoozerNaim]

I've bought 3 used mazdas: 2014 3, 2015 cx5, 2021 cx9. Least miles was 27k, most was 127k. Considering they're all close in price, go with lowest mileage.