Looking to getting back into a Mazda3 - this one worth buying (pics included)?

Short story: I had an MS3 from 2008-2010. I sold it because we were planning to have a baby at some point and I really wasn't driving it llike it was meant to. I simply need something to get me to work and back. So I sold it and purchased a P5 and put a little over $10K in the bank. Fast forward to present day: Had our first baby in late January and now want something a little more reliable and new.

I'm looking to getting back into the Mazda3 family (not MS3). Since I've been out of the game for a while, I wanted to see if you all would enlighten me and offer up any advice. Would like to to keep it under $10K. I'm looking for white or silver hatchback in GT trim ('07 to '10 model years are preferred). I came across one but didn't know if I should aggressively pursue it or not.

2007 White GT HB
Mileage is 108,000
Asking price is $7970

Not sure if it has seen snow or not, but I'm trying to obtain the Carfax still. I have a friend who is in town and is willing to take a look at it (the car is about a 5-hour drive for me). It looks like it's in decent shape to me. Only thing that stood out to me was the "Enter" GPS knob control unit is missing. I haven't able to source just the knob on ebay or anywhere yet. I'm not crazy about the GPS unit since it's outdated and a poor design IMO...but I can live with it I suppose. Other than a test drive and engine bay shot, is there anything else I should I have my friend pay attention to in particular (noises, certain things working, etc.)

Here are some pics:

Are you sure that is the original NAV unit?
I'd have your friend ask for the maintenance records, particularly for frequency of oil/filter air filter, coolant, auto trans fluid, timing belt, and brake fluid changes. Make sure they were done at least according to the owner's manual.
If possible, have him bring some ramps to check underneath for fluid leaks.

Good luck.

I checked with Mazda USA and it came with the Bose Audio, Moonroof, and Nav unit from the factory. It has not had the Power Steering recall done to it so that would be something I would have to take to the dealer or have them perform. Found out it was NJ vehicle as well so it has probably seen some snow.

It looks like it's in great shape, but I agree with concept in that you should try to get some maintenance records out of the owner and/or make sure it undergoes a thorough inspection. Since it's probably seen a good deal of snow, I'd definitely look underneath to see if there's any rust or damage from mag chloride buildup...it's an issue here in Colorado, as well. We don't have problems with rust from humidity that you guys have in the South, but mag chloride can cause some nasty issues if the undercarriage wasn't washed regularly. Hope things work out well for you - it looks immaculate from the pictures, but that only makes me more inquisitive.