As it says, I'm narrowing it down now.
As for years, I really want an '07, but I'd take an '06 or '08. I've read ALL the FAQs and such, and am just trying to remember everything.
Ever since I first saw one, I've always wanted one, and now it's becoming a reality!

For the time being, it seems there are 2 that have caught my attention:
A private sale, '07, only 21k miles, "nav" package, which I assume is the Touring Trim? - 13k$.
And a dealer (I wouldn't normally do dealer, but the price is pretty good, and my wife is REALLY skeptical about private sales. Also, I want to get the warranty [separate note, does it have to be from a dealer for the warranty?]): '06, 66k, the Sport trim for 12k$.

Just the two main ones I'm looking into right now. This post was mostly a "hello, I'll be joining the community soon." :D

Wish me luck!

 

1) Between the two the 07 is the easy answer. $1k more for 45,000 fewer miles and 1 more year on the warranty? Yes please!
2) Still recommend a compression test on whatever you are targeting, to make sure the engine is healthy. If you read my new owner's thread then you know how to go about getting one.
3) No, the factory warranty transfers with the owner, doesn't have to be a dealer sale.
4) The nav was a dealer option for all trims. Could have it in a base and not have it in a GT. Easy answer for a GT is if it has heated seats. Easy answer for a Touring is if it has fog lights and moonroof but cloth seats (possible for a Sport to have these, but not common)

 

1. Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too.
2. Of course. Read all about it. :P
3. Didn't know that! It's all a factory warranty, so directly through Mazda, I guess.
4. Yeah, cloth seats so it's probably the Touring.

Still, don't know if the wife wants me to get an extra dt warranty, or something.