We have the previous gen car, auto 2.0. It has been great to us, no issues in 65,000 miles. I imagine the bespoke platform of the current car with the bigger motor is even better. I think we're going the opposite direction to OP for next car though, either Golf R or Sportwagen 4Motion. Try out the turbo AWD thing. If only they sold the Golf R Sportwagen here, sigh.
skierd
SuperDork
2/3/17 4:32 p.m.
If the current Mazda6 was available with AWD, I'd still have it. It's definitely more grown up than the 3 but still fun to drive despite the size difference. The 2.5 with a 6spd manual is a lot of fun for a commuter family car. A lot cheaper to insure for me than the 3 too.
In reply to skierd:
The 6 seems to be better value on the used market as well. Great value for savvy shoppers. Unfortunately I hate parallel parking huge vehicles and I live in the city, so a 6 probably isn't for me. Really pretty car though.