The Mazda3 is what happens when a compact car decides it's too good for its price bracket, and the interior actually backs it up. The 2.5L engine is bulletproof (owners routinely see 200k+ miles), but the 2019 redesign swapped the old multilink rear suspension for a cost-cutting torsion beam that blunts the handling sharpness earlier models were loved for. If you want a refined daily driver that feels expensive and runs forever, this works; if you want the sporty Mazda everyone raves about, hunt down a 2014, 2018 instead.
The WRX splits opinion between those who want a practical AWD sedan with some punch and those chasing the rally-bred legend. The vertical touchscreen is a genuine annoyance, owners hate it, and if you're considering the CVT automatic, you're looking at the wrong car entirely. The manual is the only version that makes sense, but be realistic about stop-and-go commutes. As a first car for a 16-year-old? Terrible idea: the insurance alone will hurt, and 280+ horsepower is more than most new drivers can handle responsibly. For experienced drivers who need year-round capability and weekend fun, it's a solid choice, but the current generation has lost some of the raw character that made earlier versions cult favorites.