Dak,
if you like the mazda 3, look into the cx-7 AWD. Basically the same thing but bigger so the power to weight ratio is not as bad. I love mine, but you are right, we had to replace the gas cap twice because it was sending check engine errors. Thankfully covered by warranty. Mine is the 2007, my wife has the 2006 WRX Subie. Before the Mazda I had the 06 Eclipse GT, nice power but horrible torque steer and the ******** was blah.