I don't get the mazda love around here.....every one I have ever been in looks and feels cheap and rides like a cardboard box sliding down the stairs...
That being said I do understand they are reliable, but most newer generation cars are as well.
Five grand should get you a pretty reliable econo box, far superior to my first car for sure! (74 FIAT 128sl coupe....the worlds first biodegradable sports coupe!
)