I'm a long-time Mazda owner also. Well, let me clarify. I owned a stick 2.2l 1993 Ford Probe (Mazda engine and transmission, thrown into a Probe body in Flat Rock, MI - same line the MX-6 came off), and I drove it like a Ferrari, 167miles over 13 years. It was ROCK SOLID. Interior had rattles and such over time, but the engine and trans. were bullet-proof!
My brother and our good friend, we've all had multiple Mazda's. But now Kia may be swaying me. Not sure I want to wait another 2-years for Mazda to deliver an all-new Mazda6... We'll see.
If I do buy the Stinger, I'll be waiting into the fall of 2018, so I can get some rebate cash and push the price down to the floor. At least, it should be much easier to do so then vs now!