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FREE so I hope the mods will allow this thread, even though it's not gun related. (I could call it a self-propelled range cart )

Until recently, this was my daily driver to work. I no longer commute, so this is surplus to my needs. Based on past experience, it's not worth the hassle selling an older car on Craigslist, but perhaps somebody is in a tough spot financially and a free car would help.

2005 Mazda 3, manual transmission, approximately 120k mi, A/C died last year

Still reading? Runs well. One owner. Non-smoker. All major maintenance done by Mazda mechanics. New tires last year (Firestone)

Some other points, in the interest of transparency.
Original clutch. No problems yet, but something to keep in mind.
TNS relay is shot, so I have a LED strip for rear running lights. Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work.
Electric locks, windows and factory sunroof work. So does the original 6 CD player. (ooh, ahh)
Normal interior/exterior wear and tear for a 13-14yo car that was sometimes garaged.
Registration is current (exp 11/19)

For my sanity and safety, the new owner must have joined the forum before I posted this, and preferably be at least "member" status.

I'm in the 77007 zip code and willing to meet within a reasonable distance.

I had trouble attaching more than one picture to the original post.

Im interested Apostate. I live in the DFW area, but could make the drive south for this.

Great gesture apostate! I'm not in need of a vehicle, but I hope whoever does receive the car, one day pays it forward.

If it drives, it could really help someone out! I hope it goes to the right person!

Apostate it looks like your PM's are disabled. How can we get in contact?

One option is Texas Direct Auto. They buy EVERYTHING. You might not get much but there are no future hassles. I gave a truck away to the church only to have multiple calls from the new OWNER. I wish I had sold it to one of these wholesale companies.

That's an awesome gesture. I wouldn't mind a project car to work on and improve my mechanical skills but I certainly don't need it and it seems we have someone here who might.

If that doesn't work out, maybe we can talk.

I also sent a PM, but it doesn't seem to be getting delivered. So yes, I think your generosity has found interest.

Odiferous wrote: ↑Thu Mar 28, 2019 9:34 am I also sent a PM, but it doesn't seem to be getting delivered. So yes, I think your generosity has found interest.

The PM will stay in the outbox until it is read, he may just not have checked them yet.

Jusme wrote: ↑Thu Mar 28, 2019 9:52 amThe PM will stay in the outbox until it is read, he may just not have checked them yet.

Huh. I've been active on various forums for multiple decades, and that's a new one to me. Learn something every day!

If no one else takes you up on this offer contact me. I have a Godson that needs a car but... I would want to talk about the "TNS relay is shot, so I have a LED strip for rear running lights"

Max

Maxwell wrote: ↑Thu Mar 28, 2019 10:16 am If no one else takes you up on this offer contact me. I have a Godson that needs a car but... I would want to talk about the "TNS relay is shot, so I have a LED strip for rear running lights"

Max

For a FREE car, you're going to ask him to fix it first?

I saw an LED strip like that just yesterday on the back of somebody's pickup truck. It took me a split second to realize what it was, but then it was fine.

I had to Google 'TNS relay'. It seems to be a known Mazda issue. About a grand for a Mazda dealer to fix it. Probably half that using an independent shop and used parts. Given that Craigslist values the 2005 Mazda 3 at $2-$5 grand, and this one only has 120k miles on it, it's still a generous offer.

Even though this car needs a few things, apostate's offer will be a huge benefit to the eventual recipient.

My own car is a 2016 Mazda 3 hatchback, also with a stick shift. I got it new, and it has over 130,000 miles on it. Runs like a top, good handling,
more road feel than many other cars (Mazda Miata sports car DNA is also engineered into larger Mazda's), and I expect to easily get over 200K on it due to all oil changes on time, and good build quality.

On road trips running 70-80 MPH, I routinely get 32-37 MPG. On my recent return from the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup to Lewisville, I got 40.35 MPG!

MAZDA = Must Always Zoom Down Asphalt.

Save the manuals!!

SIA