I was so very confused by this rant until I realized it must be a sedan problem in particular. On the hatch you can release the seats from inside the cabin real quick!

Definitely feel that on the tires. You get a lot for your money with a 3 these days but you can also see where they cut corners.

buy oem parts from an online dealer like mazdaswag. then take parts to an independent repair shop and ask them for the installation price. do that three times and pick the one you feel is the best combination of price/you trust them to do a great job.

I mean I can’t see the car and I am not a proper mechanic. If you finance with a good rate, you actually save. In that the lower upfront payment can result in your $ earning income. But to each their own!

There was a remodel in 2018. Can’t say I’ve compared them but I test drove a '21 manual and thought it felt great. Might be a little too soon to know re durability.

for $14.4 at 98k that NEEDS to come with a warranty. A new one is barely double that and you’ll get double the lifespan out of it AND pay way less in interest. Don’t just assume your credit isn’t good enough, go to a new dealership and apply.