Well, if your friend does consider the 3, (I'm assuming automatic DD type deal). Generally avoid the 04/05's. '04 was first model year, and it would probably be beyond warranty anyway. Mazda "revised" the A/C in 06 so that's probably useful for the "family" part. Also, in 06 they gave the auto MZ3 a 5sp. > the 4sp. Just tossing in my .02