Would really appreciate some help from actual enthusiasts.

Looking at getting a good used Mazda and I like them both.

Driven an 07 of each, both manual. 3 - 2.3L hatch ... 6 - 3L hatch

I realize the 6 costs a bit more but its not significantly more, is it much more car for the money?

The 3 just seemed more peppy and fun to drive, it wasn't night and day but it was noticable. The 3.0L in the 6 seemed slow to respond but I do a bit of highway driving the the V6 would shine there.

Is there a magic year (possibly when model was refreshed in 06ish maybe?) of each that is best value/reliability/for the money?

The 6's are also much easier to find with leather which is a nice plus. Also not terribly impressed with Mazdas fuel economy, the 3.0 has to be one of the worst in class.

Any input on helping me make this decision is much appreciated.

 

Id go with the 6 hatch, ive seen it work best with the an older year, the newer it gets the slower it goes thanks to the electronic throttle body.

 

Go with the least ugly station wagon.
Do you need the room? Y – 6
Do you need the fuel economy? Y- 3