I am considering a potential purchase of 2007 Mazda Axela Hatchback 5dr Auto 4sp 2.0i [IMP] from an importer. So I am going to be the first owner in NZ, if I proceed with the deal. The price they quoted is similar to the AA Vehicle Valuation report I purchased. So everything seems to be good and I really loved the looks etc. Except that it already clocked 99,000 KMs - just 1K KMs short of the magical 100,000 KMs.

I just want to take your opinion as few of my friends have advised me to be a bit wary because maintenance costs might exceed the additional cost I pay upfront to get a car that did low KMs. But I have been reading all over the web (Geekzone/AA Forums/ few other places) that Mazda is indeed a reliable car.

As I am about to blow up little over $10K, I appreciate inputs from anyone here who drives a Mazda 3 that exceeded 100,000KMs on its Odo. Any general advice about Mazda 3 is also appreciated.

Thank you.