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Hello,

I am in the process of checking out a Mazda Demio 2005 to buy. It has done 110,000kms and has an asking price of 6000 plus ORC.

Pre-purchase inspection has raised the following issues:
- Left front park light and registration light lights not working
- Power steerng fluid requires top up, evidence of leak at power steering rack
- Snow tyres fitted to vehicle
- Slight damage to left and right hand sill jacking points
- No rear speakers and band expander required to access New Zealand radio stations
- Recommend wheel alignment

What would be you suggestion regarding purchase - it this something you a) just accept, b) make them put these things right, c) ask for a discount (not sure what would be reasonable here) or d) just walk away from.

I hope to hear from someone soon, as I'm trying to figure it out ASAP.

Hi there,
The tyres and power steering could cost at least $1500 to remedy, the rest are relatively small and cost a few hundred. Unless the dealer is prepared to fix everything, it may be a car you walk away from. No one really wants to purchase a vehicle they can't immediately use. It might be best to obtain a quote to repair and this could be part of the offer if you want a discount and get the repairs yourself. With mud and snow tyres, it usually means the vehicle could have been used in a snowy area and you could even face corrosion issues down the line as they salt the roads.