Picked up a 2017 Mazda6 Sport in manual yesterday, 3,000 miles on it, $17,800 out the door; no accidents, formerly used as a corporate loaner vehicle, warranties on warranties on warranties.
If I'm being honest, I was dead set on a manual 2017 Accord LX or EX for the trend of it all. (almost) Everyone wants a Honda. But after having my 2.5 month search take me to states 2000+ miles away from me, I started looking at Mazdas and Subarus.
Found the ad for the steal I mentioned above, test drove, and at the end of it, I felt like I had just had a great conversation with a familiar stranger. This car has made me fall in love with driving manual. Again.
Needless to say, it wasn't the car I wanted, but it was one that just clicked. And I'm pretty dang happy about the price I was able to get it at too, considering nearby dealerships were selling their 2017 manual Mazda6 Sports, with 3,000+ more miles, at 2,000 above the cost that I bought mine for.
At the moment, I'm forcing myself to listen to the engine more, than just rely on the little gear suggestion thing that comes up when I'm driving. Coming from a 5-speed 1991 Ford Taurus SHO, I was pretty used to the engine being loud enough to tell me if I was revving too high or bogging, and my Mazda is a mouse in comparison. Just the whole concept of a quiet cabin is still mind-boggling to me.
Anyway, I'm gonna be getting some all-season floor mats soon to replace the stocks, and a sun shade for the upcoming CA summer. Looking forward to bombing you all with my Mazda-newbness.