If the service history is incomplete or it hasn't been servced on schedule (12 months/12.5k miles, whichever comes first), DON'T BUY IT.

If the car's been sitting aound for ages unused, I'd get them to either change the batteries (including the special one for the i-Stop system) or (in writing) fully warrant both existing ones for at least a year.

Not sure what specific model (SE Nav, SE-L Nav or Sport Nav), but the mid-spec SE-L Nav is the easiest to sell as they are good value cars and find their way back onto dealership's sales lots far less often than the SE and Sport models.

Many people (I own an older Mazda3 and have done from new for 13 years), myself included, don't like the firmer ride of the Sport models shod on 18in wheels and tyres and prefer the more forgiving ride (it makes more of a difference after the 'newness' of the car is gone after 6 months to a year) on the 16in rims and higher profile tyres, wtih little penalty in grip or handling at legal speeds. I regularly see far more (about 75%) of Mazda3s at my local dealer being Sport models, and about 2/3rds of those being the 2.2TD as well.

The standard 2.0 (120PS) petrol is fine in itself - nothing special: reliable, fuel efficient and quiet unless you need to put the hammer down. It wasn't anywhere near the boost in performance compared to my car's 1.6 (105PS) engine. The auto option is very smooth, but it does sap performance quite a bit (dropping from 8.9sec to 60 to 10.4sec).

Generally a decent car for a daily driver (under 20k miles pa) if you get the right sub-model and engine combo and it has a proven FSH. Always make sure of that, as a lack of that, especially changing the oil + filter could lead to expensive damage on the timing chain, never mind voiding the warranty or future goodwill should something break.

Make sure that the CORRECT servicing has been done at the right time, as it could've had lesser grade servicing to save on costs (not doing certain things - the main dealer should be able to give you [you'll need the owner's permission] the schedule of what needs to be done and when, and show you what WAS ACTUALLY done and when on the electronic service record (they can print both out for you).

[edit] Forget about the low mileage comments - I thought I was replying to today's other Mazda3 thread concerning a low mileage example - the rest of the comments still apply. Apologies.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 22/02/2019 at 12:52