Turbocharged 6-Speed: 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3

Mazda is like the Dodge of Japan. Honda and Toyota fight like Ford and GM over bragging rights to the "best" volume sales cars and the "fastest" supercars, but Mazda just drops some crazy fun cars like the inexplicably named Mazdaspeed 3, which combined the best attributes of a small front drive family economy car with a turbocharged engine, limited slip diff, and a 6-speed manual box from 2007 through 2009 (second generation version with big smiley face was sold from 2010-2013).  Think of the Mazdaspeed 3 like a Mini Cooper S with an injection of muscle car grunt and size.  Find this 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 offered for $5950 in Hayward, CA via craigslist.

High Miles, No Problem- 2008 Mazdaspeed 3

When I was growing up, a car that rolled over 100,000 miles was something to take note of.  Flash forward twenty five years and it is common place see cars with plenty of life at 200,000+ miles.  The 2007-2009 Mazdaspeed 3 was the first real hit for the brand. Mazdaspeed's first go at things with the Protege was a somewhat lukewarm effort besieged by an engine that grenaded itself if  boosted much over stock level.  The Speed 3 righted the ship with a very potent 263 hp 2.3 turbo engine and 6 speed trans that still has a strong aftermarket tuner following.  It is rare to see a late model hot hatch from any brand in 100% stock unmodified condition.  Find this especially clean 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 for sale in Coventry, CT for $4,800 via craigslist.

Mid Week Match-Up: A Daily Driver For TinyFrogs

It is Wednesday so that means another time for a Mid Week Match-Up (TM)!  DT reader TinyFrogs is looking for a commuter in the $5k-$12k range.  Find him something good.  In his words:  Anyway, later this summer I'd like to pick up an efficient, reliable, and fun-to-drive compact wagohatch of some sort, manual transmission, ballpark of $5k (cash) to $12k (note). I like sleepers with style.  This would complement an old Xterra that needs more TLC, so no beaters.  Also needs some modern safety.  I have a family.