OK so, I've got a 2006 Mazda 3 Sport, 2.3l auto with 300k on it and rusty rear wheel arches. It ain't going to last forever. So, I'm really quite loyal to Mazdas. When I started looking for newer car it was going to be a Honda Fit. I was sold by the advertising, the idea that Hondas are good cars and the gas mileage. I drove one. Really disliked it so, Fits were off the list. Drove a Civic and found it too physically small. I hadn't even been thinking about Mazdas. I drove a few Toyotas and found them undesirable. Then we found a 4 year old Mazda 3 on a Hyundai lot and were really impressed with the build quality, size, very respectable power and price. Search over, we bought it.

Now it's on it's way through the checkout line we're looking for something newer. It doesn't have to be new. I have some loyalty to Mazda since this has been such a reliable car; easy to work on; 39 mpg; agile and comfortable. From what I understand there was never a recall for the '06 apart from a dipstick change and a free 'suggested' fix about insulating panels in the back door or some such thing. Anyway, I'm happy to look at Mazda's again but would there be something I should look at?

Subarus are around in much greater numbers than when we bought this 15 years ago. You hear good things about them but they seem to be a bit pricey. Nissan owners seem to really like their cars. Honda still makes good cars and perhaps even better engines. So, your thoughts?

What's important to me is gas mileage. Ride comfort. Interior appointments. Passing power.
What's not important is leather, flashy bling, gadgets, etc. etc. I dislike the shorty tires 17" rims give you. That 2 1/2" tall sidewall is just too unforgiving to me. I can live with something a little taller as I do with our winter rims, 16's with something a little taller on them.

What's in the market now days, likely used and known for reliability and comfort?

Thanks for any input. I don't want to jump ship from Mazda but surely there's other stuff out there.