Mazda 2 Problems

Could be a fault with the display. The only way to find out is to have it checked, so I would recommend you take it to a Mazda dealer.

Check the identification plate in the engine bay. It should tell what model you have. If it doesn’t tell you directly you should be able to identify it from the VIN number.

Unfortunately you’ve kept the Corolla too long, and have had to spend money to keep it going. Keep that in mind for the next one you buy.

You’re constrained by your $20,000 budget, but I would suggest you look at a Kia Rio, Mazda2, Mitsubishi Lancer, or Suzuki Swift. All should fall within your budget and all will give you a good run. If you were prepared to buy a used car that is one or two years old, you could consider a Toyota Corolla, or a Mazda3.

The warning light is telling you there is a problem and that you should have a diagnostic check done on it. The idle speed is probably too low to sustain reliable running. It’s possibly a faulty sensor sending a false message to the computer.

Skipping oil changes is the worst possible thing to do, the oil will get thick and sludgy and the risk is that it will block the galleries in the engine, and in the worst case it could cause the engine to fail.

A new master cylinder would cost around $100, a shock absorber about the same.

That’s a sexist question that I’m not prepared to answer in the form you’ve asked it. The GT tag is thrown around today by marketing wiz kids with no knowledge of its history, the result is that cars get badged with GT stickers that really aren’t true GTs. The Mazda2 GT is a Mazda2 with a few extra goodies, but sadly no extra grunt or suspension tweaks. If you want to look cool it might appeal, but if you want a real performance-oriented small car try the VW Polo GTi or its bigger brother, the Golf GTi.

I wouldn't recommend the Polo, it requires the more expensive Premium unleaded, it's got the dual-clutch auto, which can be troublesome, and it will be more expensive to service. The Mazda 2 or the Toyota Yaris are better choices.

If it were my daughter I would be looking for safety and reliability as top priorities in a first car. With your budget I would be looking at a 2013/14 Mazda2, a 2014/15 Kia Rio, and a 2014 Toyota Yaris.