Your mechanic is correct, but so are you. The mechanic's suggestion of a Corolla is a safe bet, one that won't come back to bite him in the long run, but the other cars you mention are also worth considering. All are solid, generally reliable cars, although I would be cautious about recommending the Astra to you. Stick to the well-known Japanese brands and she won't go too far wrong.

IT IS clearly unacceptable for an auto to fail at such low mileage, and I would be pressing Mazda for at least part of the cost of replacement. Servicing is important on an auto to keep the oil fresh because the most common reason for an auto to fail is overheating. But as you don't tow and aren't a lead foot, it is unlikely that your driving has caused the problem.

TYRES are not things you should compromise on, and because you've had a good run out of the Bridgestones I would suggest you stick with them. I wouldn't have a problem fitting Hankooks, but you have the experience of the Bridgestones, and $37 a tyre isn't a lot.