Mazda

I do drive a Mazda but its an RX8. In terms of electronics and interior quality, I have had no issues so far and I find the interior plastics and seat leather to be of quite a good standard. Not sure about the Mazda 3 but the RX8 is expensive to service and run but it has a rotary engine. The Mazda 3 should offer good driving dynamics I think as its RWD

Depends how old it is, by around 8 years old Mazda tend to start rusting badly, far worse then anything else on the road. If you are buying new and keeping for 3 years this is not a problem, just not a good second hand purchase when they get older.

Great motors, I'm on my second Sportnav that I picked up new a few weeks ago, I used to have the 165bhp version and now onto a 120hp, there's not much that difference between the two acceleration wise. There are some really good deals around at the moment. Nice to drive, great looking, reliable chain cam engine, good mpg I'm getting around 43mpg out of my 2.0ltr petrol. Downsides, not many, you have to rev the petrols to get performance, little low down torque, then again there's no turbo to worry about. The tyre size is stupid making replacements somewhat expensive. The 16" rim size is better but you only get that on the SE / SEL models and they don't look as good on the car as the 18" rims. No space-saver as standard and the full kit from Mazda is very expensive, although they've just reduced the price to about £340. The paint can mark easily but the same is true with most new cars due to the new paints they have to use. Its a thumbs up from me. I did have some difficulty with the front brake discs on my first 3, but it was probably due to me only doing low miles. In winter the rain / salt can sit on top of the brake pads and cause a corrosion ridge on the brake disc that can set up vibration under braking (similar to a warped disc), cure is either skimming or new discs, I had one set replaced under warranty and the replacements started to do the same the following year. If I was getting another I'd probably go for the SEL for the better standard rim / tyre sizes that also give a slightly better ride and lighter steering - I've tried both!

Generally, Mazda is a reliable car and easy to maintain. If you planning to buy a used car, ask for maintenance records.