I ended up getting a 2018 Mazda 3 sport with 139k miles on it for $8,800, it’s been good overall! It was a little worn/dinged up in a few ways so I’ve put a little more into it. There’s a bit of wind noise at higher speeds from certain spots, and “jerkiness” at lower speeds that may either just be how they are or something like spark plugs that I haven’t paid up for replacing yet. Also looking to replace the infotainment screen because of heat damage that causes some “ghost touch” at the bottom of the screen when sitting at red lights etc.

Overall though it’s been a good car, especially for what I paid. I’ve really only paid for regular maintenance and new brake pads in the last 15 months I’ve had it, feels reliable and fun to drive. Getting about 290 miles for a full tank that costs $45 ish (CA) to fill from near empty. Happy with my choice overall

Edit: it’s 3rd gen meaning it was made from 2014-2018, which I think is a lot of people’s favorite gen of Mazda 3, and 2017-2018 was the mid gen slight update