[sammyg2]

Background:

My daughter is 16 and a very good kid. Good grades, responsible, very active in sports, doesn't get in trouble, and has good manners. I have no idea how I got so lucky.

I'm looking to get a decent used car for her in the next few months. Something that gets decent mileage, is reliable so she won't break down somewhere when daddy isn't around, and something that will last her through college.

Budget hasn't been set but I have a number in my head of around $8k or so, but that's flexible. I could go higher if it made sense or I could go lower if I could achieve the goals. I will not get her an expensive keep up with the jones vehicle even though i could afford it.
I'm not like that and like all new drivers she's learning, she might crash it. I think it makes sense to get her something decent but not extravagant until she learns better how to take care of it.

I like Toyotas. Always have. But she has her heart set on a mazda 3.

I explained that she isn't getting a new car from me until she graduates from college so it would be a later model used car. She's fine with that even though many of her friends are rich kids with beamers and such. She learned a long time ago that I value money in the bank more than toys in the garage.

She'll probably be 6 foot tall by the time she gets to college so size might be a factor. She's probably also going to get a volleyball scholarship and may end up going to school far away from home. I don't need to be worrying about her transportation.

Anyone here have BTDT with a mazda 3? Obviously newer would be good but cost is a factor as is reliability.
what years are good or bad, problems, etc?
I've heard they handle and perform well which can be good or bad. I don't want to buy a low-mileage boy-racer's car that has been beat to crap.

Tanks in advance.

EDIT I have done some searches for TSBs, recalls, etc. and testimonials are all over the place. Mostly good but some bad.