Actually, you have that wrong. IF you get an 04, you WANT to find one with a replaced engine, preferably more recently. If you find an 04 on it's original engine, I would be much more wary.

Engine failure isn't rare on these cars, with the 04s being the most prone, and improving over the years.

Besides, would you prefer a car with an engine with 80,000 on it or 40,000 on it?

Don't fall into the common trap of thinking a replaced engine means it's bad.

For that price though, if that is your budget, get a 2006. Most of the problems were gone by then, and a few other enhancements.

 

Well don't let the engine replacement worry you. But you need to know that the first couple of model years (i.e., '04-'05) experienced a greater than expected engine failures, especially in the hotter areas of the US like Texas and Arizona. So it is not uncommon to have an engine replaced in the early model year cars. Which is why Mazda came out with the 8 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty for the early model year cars. Apparently, model years '06 and newer have had fewer engine problems, and the Series II that came out in model year 2009 should be much better in that regard considering some of the upgrades Mazda did with the new series cars.

 

There ya go. Independent verification.

 

blue book for that car is about 15k, but the sound of the problems you are hearing, i would WORRY about, the 8 is a VERY high maintence car, and must be properly taken care of, im **** with mine however, too bad you didnt live around here, im selling my 04 WB for 9500 worth 11,600 no one will buy it!!!! hahaha, actually ive had a couple people, and 1 pending right now lol, but all in all do as you wish, and good luck!

 

Agreed...