[jcp123]

Wow, I'm sorry to hear about the accident/bureaucracy mess. Gotta love it when they saddle you with a problem like that.

I think you'll like your Mazda. My Ma has had one for, oh gosh, going on 10 years now? I believe hers is also an '06, it's a hatch with 2.3 and automatic. Next to her turbo New Beetle, this is her favorite car she's ever owned, and she likes that it's actually been reliable for her. Great chassis, car always feels very solid, stable, and willing to take whatever you throw at it without being either harsh or feeling twitchy. I've always thought it felt confined inside, though. Good for you with getting stick shift, because I don't care for the automatics in these. Keep an eye on your coolant, they have an integrated thermostat and housing unit which likes to spring leaks (I sold tons of them for Duratec Fords and Mazdas and have replaced my mother's for the same leak as well).