I’ve never owned a Mazda, My daughter really loves the Mazda 3 (automatic) What years would you recommend (maybe trim levels) for about $5,000-$7,000. Are some years better than others? are there certain years or engines/trannys to stay away from?
Any Mazda3 is a great choice.
I Absolutely recommend gen 2 Mazda3s. I have one I bought new in 2010. It’s a “ Sport Grand Touring” and it has been the most reliable car I’ve ever had. I was in an accident where someone ran a red light, and I saw him coming and was able to stop but not soon enough that he didn’t hit me - but soon enough that it didn’t get my daughter who was in the passenger seat at the time. He got the front right panel. It messed up the tire area and and that panel and I would say part of the radiator area, but we were not injured at all, and the car was able to be fixed and repainted, and completely put back together to the point where even today (this was several years ago) You can tell it was ever in an accident. It’s just a wonderful car. Mine still has under 100,000 miles on it but it’s almost there. I will never give it up. I totally recommend it.