[pallen]

Just bought a 2017 86. I've previously owned a Prelude, MKI MR2 and a 300ZX and a Mazdaspeed3. I also took a break from "fun cars" when my kids reached driving age and needed to share our cars. The Mazdaspeed3 was a 6 speed and probably the hardest MT car I've ever driven, and every car I've ever had was a manual. I didnt want the kids driving that, so I traded it for a regular Mazda3 Auto.

The 86 reminds me most of the MR2. Drives like a gokart. Not super fast, but super fun and gets 28-30MPG no matter how I seem to drive it. Even the interior is no nonsense like the MR2. On the base model, you get manual HVAC controls - my 86 MR2 was the last car I had with that. No comforts or luxury here. This car keeps it lightweight and strictly business.