Good thread. I wish I could go back and not sold some of what I've had and just the same not bought some I did.
Regarding now, the MS3 isn't anything really special, but it's my only real 4 wheel fun now given where life puts us with kids and a third very nice vehicle that doesn't cost me a dime.
That said, even just today the wife is egging me to see the Mazda but I won't. It's not 100% what I thought I would like and it does lack in some areas, but overall on the Ben Franklin T-Chart of what I enjoy about it, is the experience.
For a FWD grocery getter she is very spirit, handles great and does have some creature comforts. There's a bit of a raw feeling about driving it that some would consider the result of having an OTD Cost of $24k. That's likely true and okay. Just like my numerous cameras, I enjoy working with the limitations of something as no matter what you drive they all have them. It's what you do with what they do offer that makes the experience count.
Cliffs: it's just a little Mazda, but it puts a smile on my face and that's what counts.