I have had a look at the Mazda3 MPI they look really nice but the running costs maybe a little out of my league. If I can find an 2.0 3 that looks like the MPI id be well on board with that.
MPI? What is that? You don't mean the fire-breathing 2.2 ltr petrol turbo (Focus-RS-chasing) MPS? No need for that if you did. Until recently (I just quit my job), I was doing about 17-18 miles each way to work in my 2006 Mazda3 mk1 1.6 petrol. About 50/50 in terms of motorway/urban driving, getting about 40mpg over the year, slightly less than I used to, but not bad. Engine still as sweet as a nut, a few parts having been replaced in recent years, but that's to be expected of an 11yo car - no major problems over that time.
The mk2 is essentially a warmed over version of the mk1 - the same very good drive, just different looks. Mine averages about £270pa on servicing at the main dealership and hasn't (yet) failed its MOT. Older Mazdas do suffer from rust, but normally is easy to spot (see the reviews and especially the good and bad section) - mine's been ok on that score. Like most Japanese cars, they get looked after far better than Euromakes - a combination of owner as well as dealers.
If I were you, I would look long and hard at what you actually need from the car - do you actually need the larger space (including boot space) and luxury of the cars you originally described? Older luxury cars are, even with Japanese makes, a big hole in your pocket waiting to happen - that's why they were expensive to start with - all those gadgets and electronic gizmos on them just waiting to go wrong in a big way.
As others have said, better to find a reliable, decent handling/riding car that is a bit newer that you can live with that has a proven full service history (prefereably from a main dealer) and not a long list of MOT fails and advisories that haven't been attended to. In my view, if you ever see advisories or fails of things like bald tyres or other obvious (to the owner) safety-related items, then avoid the car like the plague - a sure sign of neglect. Better to pay out a bit more in fuel for a reliable car than an older diesel or luxury car than has a far higher chance of letting you down.
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