By Shawn Corcoran

Let’s be honest with ourselves: that project car isn’t roadworthy yet, is it? Whether it’s still up on jack stands, or if it’s a case of “what is this week’s issue?” it may be time to face the fact that a cheap, reliable and fuel-efficient beater may be a good idea after all, at least it is while you save up for what comes next. 

The issue is, many cheap used compact cars fall into a bit of trouble. You could buy a used Corolla, but chances are that it will bore you to death, and whoever is selling it will ask for $8,000 because they “know what they have.” You could try for a Civic, but most of those have been thoroughly clapped out. You could look at American options such as the Dart or Focus, but certain powertrains and transmissions from that era have earned reputations you may not want to gamble on.So what should you pick? Let me make it easy, because while most will tell you to try your best to find a deal on a Corolla, I’ll tell you to buy a Mazda3.

Many automotive enthusiasts will praise Mazda, stating that their cars are sportier and better than most others. That isn’t necessarily true of their passenger cars, or at least the hype online is a bit overstated. However, it is not unfounded, you will find that the Mazda3 has a bit more of a fun feel when compared to a Corolla of the same vintage.

The example in question here is a 2013 model, the last year for the second-generation Mazda3. The second-generation came out for the 2010 model year and like the first generation it rode on Ford’s global C1 platform, which it shares with the European Ford Focus, as well as a couple Volvo models including the S40 and C30. 

Mazda was turning a new leaf in the 2000s, debuting a new marketing campaign at the turn of the millennium to the tune of “Zoom-zoom” in an attempt to become the stylish and fun brand on the market. It largely worked, as cars became known for having a bit more pep in their step over their competitors, as well as more exciting and curvaceous styling. 

Mazda eventually turned away from that marketing in the mid 2010s in an effort to appeal to a more “mature” market — whatever the hell that means for an entry-level brand. Nonetheless, the second-generation Mazda3 is here to greet you with a large smile, sweeping curves and a new, peppy 2.5-liter inline-four shared with the Mazda6, although the example I drove had the smaller 2.0-liter. If you want excitement, you’re better off finding one with the 2.5-liter, as that will give you about as much get-up and go as you can get without shelling out the cash for a real hot hatch like the Speed3. But the 2.0-liter still makes enough power to keep you entertained. 

The interior boasts… well, not much, really. You get seating for five, an acceptable amount of storage and a computer, that reads out information such as current fuel economy. The interior itself is somewhat interesting, the dashboard has an interesting, sweeping shape that encompasses the computer, and big round gauges let you know you drive something “exciting.”

Choose the hatchback and you will find ample storage space. Especially with the rear seats folded down, giving you more than enough space to carry the next batch of parts for your project car.

There are some issues, the particular example I drove had plenty of scratches and chips in the paint, as well as some very noticeable fading on the roof. The dashboard is warped, the paint on the bumper is falling off, the air conditioning doesn’t work, one visor was gone, the other wouldn’t stay in position and the motor mounts were bad, causing a terrible vibration. But that could all aid in the performance feel, if the “performance feel” you are going for is whatever Fernando Alonso is feeling racing for Aston Martin. 

I am not saying that the Mazda3 is a real performance machine, nor is it a sports car. It would be false to claim that it will offer the same driving experience as a Miata. But it does offer some fun despite what it is, even if it is rough around the edges.

But this is a beater, not a concours winner. It isn’t supposed to be pretty, or clean or perfect by any stretch of the imagination. And that is the beauty of a car like this. You don’t have to have the nicest thing in the world, sometimes it is better to just have something that works. Something that can get you from one place to another without blowing up or costing a fortune at the gas pump.

The Mazda3 is also an exceptional option for a good cheap daily driver. It’s more exciting than a Corolla while also avoiding the infamous “Toyota tax.” It is unlikely to be clapped out like a Civic, the engine is less likely to give out compared to a Focus of the same era and the transmission isn’t likely to grenade itself like a Dodge Dart. 

It is also more exciting, not as exciting as a proper hot hatch like a Focus ST or the Speed3 but for an entry-level commuter car, it’s not bad. It is the perfect car to have, while you save up for something better.