hambone

Ok, I would like anyone's advice opinions on this as soon as possible.

This is how it went:
My wife and I have been sharing 1 car for about 2 years now(2003 Honda Accord Coupe) and its about time we get another one.

The requirements for the new one are the following:
1. 4-door
2. Decent gas mileage
3. Under $20,000
4. New or Used is ok, but now leaning towards new (see below)
5. Roomy enough to store stuff.
6. Can eventually fit a carseat in the back
7. ABS
8. Side airbags a plus
9. Stereo not too important, but do like the aux audio jack some have

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We initially looked at a Prius and liked it, but for 2006 or 2007 models, they are a little out of our price range. So we looked some more.

2 days ago and went an test drove a Toyota Matrix. I liked the look, the room was ok, and the motor totally disappointed me. On the highway, it really whined getting up to speed. (its a 1.8) But gas mileage seems to be good on that.

Yesterday I drove a Mazda3 (2007, hatchback model, 2.3L). I really liked it. It ran good, felt tight to the road and rode comfortably. It also looks very nice inside and comes standard (the hatchback models at least) with side airbags, the aux audio jack, and ABS. The front was very roomy, and the hatchback allows for much storing. Both backseat fold down too.

My concerns with it are, its still a little pricey (they only sell new ones where I went and I do like the features on the 2007 as opposed to 2006 anyway) and I am not too sure if there is quite enough room in the backseat . However, in this size of car, I think its pretty normal amount of room.

Mazda has a 3.9% financing deal until April 2nd, so that is awesome (we have the money to buy it outright,but instead will let it sit in our savings account which is earning 5.1%).

Anyway, please lend me your thoughts! I am seriously considering trying to negotiate a good price on this this weekend. Is this a good buy? Any alternatives?

Thanks.

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