2007 Mazdaspeed 6
It's not your average Mazda 6. Took me over 8 months in 2010 to find the right one thru auto brokers. This unit looks a lot like a regular 6 on the outside, but underneath is a behemoth! Even the V6 versions are only 220 hp while this 4-banger is fit with a huge turbo offering 275 hp stock. Independent suspension in front and dual multi-link in the back with a beefy sway bar issue a sporty but safe ride. Another great feature is the AWD. Not usually seen in a lot of cars of that year, but very beneficial to this model and only makes it more glorious to drive. I live in CO and it snows and gets a bit slick, but I drive like it's dry all year round with this car. Merging is never an issue with this responsive turbo and the eventual race to gain merging or position is all up to me most of the time. AWD helps with the 5.2 sec 0-60 mpg (still one of the fastest production Mazda cars) as it grips the road and takes off but doesn't spin tires. There is a paint upgrade with metallic flake and a substantial clear coat, but looks innocent like a regular 6 until you notice the hood has an extra bump (for the top turbo air intake scoop thru the front grille) and the rear bumper has a different looking style with the oval dual tailpipe garnish with sport black and (insert color of car). The one biggest chances you have to identify one of these (only made in 2006-07) is the "Mazdaspeed 6" tag on the back lower left of the trunk. Great car but plan to spend on maintenance as it is a sports car. Rejoice as it has a good record with turbo reliability, an actual timing CHAIN, an altogether good design with great possibilities for upgrades. Altogether it's really upgradable, already fast, 4-doors with comfy leather and ample storage, awesome Bose sound system, very comfortable on long trips, stylish but not over the top sporty, great in any bad weather or back roads. Super fun to drive and begs you to keep it looking like a supermodel! Go race the next BMW and then stop at next light when he finally catches up to you and explain it's not his fault he spent $60k on a car that got smoked by a $25k stock Mazda (true story!)