buying used Mazda CX-30, few odd things

[autodriver04026]

Hi there,

I would like some advice on buying used, early 2024, Mazda CX-30, Homura trim.

Mechanically and elecrically car seems ok, however there are two niggles I would like to get your expert opinion on.

1) Two rear windows have different numbers. These are different to each other and to the front windows. Front windows numbers are identical, although, the driver side has the number stamped on the inner side of the glass, inside the vehicle.
In regards to the rear windows numbers, seller assured us that previous owner wanted privacy glass and he exchanged them himself, however, Homura trim comes with factory installed tinted rear windows, so not sure there is a lot of truth in what the seller is telling us.

Parkers portal has 'Privacy glass (rear side windows and rear screen)' listed under Standard Equipment for Mazda CX-30 SUV 2.0 e-Skyactiv G MHEV Homura 5dr.

2) Rear wheel, driver side has 12 counterweights installed on the alloy. They are placed in a long row and lt looks like a lot, taking up about 1/5 of the circumference of the wheel. No other wheel has this.

I also found two additional VIN number stickers placed in the boot of the car in rather random places which is a little odd. All three typically placed VIN numbers are there, these found in the boot are extras.

Not sure if this is relevant but the previous owner had private plates on this vehicle. Seller (reputable Mazda dealership) claim that it was brought to them in part-exchange deal, but the private plates are not registered to any other car currently (according to MOT/Road tax check on the .gov website).

The car comes with Mazda approved assurance.

Any advice if these issues should be investigated further and how, will be greatly appreciated.

[paul_c123]

If you are "nearly there" for buying this one, do a Car Vertical (or similar) check on it. I'd not worry too much about the glass, its quite reasonable for secondhand parts to be fitted to cars over the years, and its not like glass wears out, its either okay or broken.

Regarding the wheel, I'd assume its toast and budget for a replacement, negotiate a similar discount.

[autodriver04026]

paul_c123 said:

If you are "nearly there" for buying this one, do a Car Vertical (or similar) check on it. I'd not worry too much about the glass, its quite reasonable for secondhand parts to be fitted to cars over the years, and its not like glass wears out, its either okay or broken.

Regarding the wheel, I'd assume its toast and budget for a replacement, negotiate a similar discount.

Is Car Vertical different to other car checks available, because I already paid for Car Check and Vehicle Score, including service report.

Could you clarify on the wheel replacement? Because of the the counter balance weights? Is it safe to drive? How can I check it while inspecting the car?
I did test drive it and we did not get anything, no motorway speed thought.

We are going for comprehensive vehicle inspection at the local garage, after we bought the car, if we decide to go for it.

Thank you.

[paul_c123]

I don't think there's a realistic or thorough way to check it on the car. What I would do (or have done...) is to remove the wheel, then remove/replace the tyre to see its all ok on the insides, then see how far out of balance it is, also checking the wheel is not bent or buckled.

[autodriver04026]

paul_c123 said:

I don't think there's a realistic or thorough way to check it on the car. What I would do (or have done...) is to remove the wheel, then remove/replace the tyre to see its all ok on the insides, then see how far out of balance it is, also checking the wheel is not bent or buckled.

EDIT: Re-reading your reply I see what you meant. I'll make the mechanic aware when talking to him. Thank you again.

The tyres will be thoroughly checked and gradually replaced, I wanted to start with the front pair and then to the rear tyres, but this can be adapted depending on the condition of the tyres. They will check the wheel balance when changing the tyres, so will tell me what they find out. I will make the machanic aware of the counter weights before they start the job.

We could also do wheel alignment / tracking if it helps to make sure it is all good and safe to drive.

What about two additional VIN stickers in the boot? One on the body (normally covered by the liftgate and the second one is on the metal bodywork.below the rear windscreen, when the liftgate is open.

Is it common to see extra stickers on the cars?

Edited by autodriver04026 on Saturday 18th April 18:43

[Pickle_Rick]

Is the dodgy wheel on same side as dodgy window?

Im thinking crashed and repaired, so won't show up on hpi checks

[paul_c123]

You really shouldn't be buying a car, then immediately needing to replace tyres, unless its super-cheap, private or trade. It is a fairly basic thing for the seller to prep.

[macron]

bks, tyres are a perfectly sensible negotiation point in the selling of a second hand car.

Crap tyres? OK, that's where we're talking turkey, either pay my ask and I'm putting new ones on, or we're deducting a bit and you do it.

Different people will want a different answer to that, most people don't care what they are so long as they're legal, if they even notice, PH types will insist on hand crafted rubber they've personally witnessed be transformed into tyres so like hell are they letting the seller do it.

[ARH]

It's a cx-30 there must be loads for sale? Just buy one that is not suspicious.

[autodriver04026]

paul_c123 said:

You really shouldn't be buying a car, then immediately needing to replace tyres, unless its super-cheap, private or trade. It is a fairly basic thing for the seller to prep.

The car is from Mar 2024, tyres from 36 week of 2023, all of them. Looks like the car still has the tyres fitted in the factory.

Between 4-5 mm tread left on them, not worried about tyres, not looking to replace them immediately, will probably buy a pair for the front in 3-6 months.

What I am worried about is the counter balance on rear driver-side wheel combined with replaced rear windows.

And the front driver-side window which has its number somehow printed on the inside side of the window - what is going on with that?

And those extra VIN numbers sticked in the boot of the car, looks like someone was just too happy or had too many printed out.

Looks like we should walk away and look for another one, only the missus is insisting on finishing this ordeal, signining the docs, paying, exchanging and enjoying the car. For the last month, every weekend and some week days we have been looking at cars. MOT on our car is coming up very soon.
This is the second car we have decided on from this dealership, previous one was a little cheaper but also higher mileage and 2 years older. Looks like we will either go for this one or stay with our car because we have to replace 2 tyres and probably spend some money on maintenance before going for the MOT.

[autodriver04026]

ARH said:

It's a cx-30 there must be loads for sale? Just buy one that is not suspicious.

MOT is just few weeks away on our car, so it is either part-exchange now (this one) or spend on our car, only then buyting a new car doesn't make sense.

Edited by autodriver04026 on Sunday 19th April 16:12

[autodriver04026]

Pickle_Rick said:

Is the dodgy wheel on same side as dodgy window?

Im thinking crashed and repaired, so won't show up on hpi checks

Yes, and that is exactly what I am afraid of. Would legitimate dealerships allow themselves to do something like that?