@alex-f
If you would have said 2014 I would have said go ahead but what is the transmission and mileage on that because those are deciding factors for me.

@alex-f
One tip, before you buy it, make sure it isn't a Jatco made transmission.

@alex-f
Update, those either come with a 5 speed automatic made by FORD; partnered by Mazda, or a 6 speed automatic made by AISIN, the company that makes the Toyota automatic transmissions. The manuels are the best though.
The 2014+ have a Skyactive drive auto transmission which are pretty reliable.

@yaser
Toyotas and Hondas aren't for everyone

@yaser
Yeah you could get a 9 year old Mazda with 100k miles or a 15 year old Toyota/Lexus with 150k miles. Everyone is different. For a first car, everyone needs to look at a 2011 Corolla, 2011 Civic, or a 2011 Mazda 3. Corolla may be too boring for him, Civic prices through the roof. and hey, do the maintenance on that Mazda and it could last 200k miles or more. Those are fun cars to drive I hear.

Here we recommend based on our experiences. We do not push people to buy or not to buy. It is their money and their decision, although our goal is to provide as much as information we got to help the choose the best or at least consider different available options.

@yaser
They asked what you think about the Mazda 3. Your answer was "it might be a good car" LOL. That doesn't sound like providing information.