Look at it this way:

You buy either of those today. + Insurance + maintenance + zazzup a bit.

3 years later, you will get tired of your car, you will want (or NEED) another car, if not a BRAND NEW one. A spacious back seat is always useful for on the road flings, if you are up for it.

At present, you already know the upcoming expenses:

Mazda    $x000.00

Mitsu $1000.00 + $x000.00 + $500.00 (this for brakes and eventually the garage guy will say you should change a few more things too, and you will be inclined to say YES. Else, what is the point of having new brakes if you don't have.....this or that...)

So, within 3 months, you are already $1500 worse off with Mitsu.

Now, $1500 comes from $2000 earned, minus taxes and total NO EXPENSE very tight savings. Very difficult to achieve. This is almost 1.5 months of savings if you are a student, working 40 hrs GS.

Hope this helps.

_x