i picked up an 06 mazda 3s w/ 75k miles for 6500 (but u can get them well under 5k, i just ran into a fully loaded 1 owner low mileage example), it gets 30mpg, has a nice 5speed automatic, awesome little car!

has cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, nice stereo, abs, 4 disc brakes, 160hp/160tq 0-60 like 7-8 seconds

couldn't find anything that came close to it,

oh and the drivetrain is good for 200k miles, really a bullet proof little car.

 

04-05 TL's had a lot of transmission problems that weren't fixed until the 07-08 model years. If something goes wrong with the transmission, especially on a higher mileage car, that could be $$$. Everything else is pretty reliable on them however.

 

not to mention the mazda I got had an msrp of 22k back in 06.

 

also the insurance/upkeep on the mazda 3 is much better compared to a corolla/civic/accord,

It's built on the C1 platform (which is a ford focus platform) and shares a lot of the parts, you can get 4 OEM disc breaks and 8 pads for under $200, every maintenance item is dirt cheap. But the drivetrain was designed and built in japan so you get the best of both worlds (cheap domestic consumables and a bullet proof JDM drivetrain)

the engine has a timing chain (which is a HUGE plus, never need to do expensive belt jobs), people on mazda3forums have well over 200k miles on their mazda3's with little to no problems, the most common problem is the thermostat going out around 100k miles, but it's not a big deal and can be replaced for cheap.

A few weeks ago I got 38mpg highway doing 70mph.

I have full insurance with allstate (50$ a month for 100/200k liability, etc etc, 500$ deductible), the car is dirt cheap to insure. I am a 23 year old male, and in comparison I was paying 220$ a month for my ap2 s2k and $190/mo for my 350z with exact same coverage.

Also the market doesn't appreciate the car as much as the toyota/honda rivals so you can find a lot of clean non-modded examples for a steal.

I am a medical student so this car was a no-brainer for me... did I mention it has a huge trunk? I fit all my belongings in the car when I moved out.

 

WOW didn't know the Mazda3 was so appealing a daily driver. very nice.

 

This if you need space.

Mazda3 is also a great choice too!

 

mazda 3 is like a high school girl with a 5/10 face and a 10/10 body, no one wants to take her to prom, but in reality she is a really great bang for your buck, and you know she will put out. lol I can't believe I wrote that.... how uncharacteristic and antifeministic of me.

 

i need the same right now for one of my employees. I'm buying them a 08 Fit with about 110k for $5400

 

They put the Corolla motor in the MR2 Spyder and Im note sure if it was the "pre cat" issue, but they don't seem to be anywhere as reliable as a D17a2 2001+ Civic engine. I spent a few hours on Spyderchat, because I almost bought a MR2 Spyder with a blown head gasket for cheap.

Stay away from 2001_2003 Civics. They have automatic issues like alot of automatic Hondas... The 5 speed manual Em2 Civics are great cars tho!!

 

exactly my point with the honda/yota alternatives, they are overpriced for what you get, an 08 m3 with that many miles would run you 3-4k max.