I just bought a new 2012 Mazda3 Touring w/ the 6-speed manual. I'm a long time (since 1981) Toyota guy. I was really thinking I should do the sensible thing and buy another Corolla because all the others have been so reliable, but something just kept telling me to take a chance on a 3.

Long story short, I'm a first-time Mazda owner at the age of 49. Time will tell if this was a good move or not, but I must say this is a lot sportier car than another Corolla would have been. I only hope it turns out to be as reliable.

It's the first 'Japanese' car I've owned in a long time that was actually made in Japan.

 

Welcome to the forums!! You should see what Top Gear UK says about the Corolla, they do say its very reliable but so very boring LOL. Is your 3 a Skyactiv one or regular?

 

It's the Skyactiv model.