Get a truck! Specifically an early 2000's silverado 1500. I have an 07 silverado 1500 and it has lasted me over 300k miles with the only things i have done to it being the typical fluid replacements and a single spark plug went out but that was probably my fault because i drive it like its a sports car. If you buy a used one make sure you know all of its past they typically go for fairly cheap maybe around 3k but sometimes, especially mine, they are just driven in ways i thought were not possible so you want to be careful when buying one and ask a ton of questions. If you get one in great condition that hasnt been driven like a race car then im sure it will last you for years upon years to come. You will also find that having a truck instead of a car has its benefits. I got myself a trailer and for sort of a side hustle i tow cars and even get myself my own project cars to flip which not only is a lot of fun in my opinion but you can make a lot of money and if you are going to college for 8 years money is something you are definitely going to need.

Mazda 3 is excellent and has proven technology (basically same engine and transmission since 2014 when the last gen. debuted). Toyota is actually only 2-3 year into their current gen. engine and transmission and as I recall Scotty did a video about some issues with their 8 speed transmission ( https://youtu.be/hDjnkyI5IoA ). There are already class-action lawsuits, just search for "toyota 8 speed transmission issues".

The toyota or the mazada you said are both pretty bullet proof options. Personally, toyota is more of my speed but like the answer before me the mazada is also a great choice. Try to lean towards a smaller engine, more working room if things need to be repaired, better gas mileage and potentially a longer life span. I would recommend something like the camry, the size is ideal for comfortable longer car rides i.e. to and from campus.