Can't decide between two cars. Both are Mazda's?

I went car shopping and ran into two Mazda's that I really liked. The first one is a 2002 Mazda Tribute DX (manual) with about 95,000 miles on it. I saw the Carfax and wow, it was the most impressive Carfax history I've ever seen. The DX was only owned by 1 previous owner who changed the oil every 3,000 miles (sometimes even less) and was very good at maintaining the brakes, lights, and suspension regularly. It is manual so it gets about 20-22 mpg on the road/ 25 on the freeway. This car is listed for about $5900.

The second Mazda is a 2003 Protege (automatic) with 77,000 miles. I saw the Carfax and it wasn't as detailed as the Tribute. It only had listings of passing emissions inspection and when it got sold to the other owners (no listings on oil changes, brakes, etc). This car does get around 30 mpg on the road and the price is $4,500.

To give a background on my situation. I am 19 years old and attending a community college about 10 minutes from my house and my job is about 15 minutes. So I don't have to commute very far everyday.

I did like both cars very much. The Protege does have less miles, has better gas mileage, and cheaper than the Tribute. But the Tribute had an amazing Carfax report that had every detail of maintenance and only 1 previous owner (unlike the Protege which had 3). Also, I've been driving my mom's 03 Ford Explorer since I was 16 so I am used to the SUV feel.

So all in all, I can't decide. Both are great cars. If anyone can provide me with their personal opinion or advice that would be great! Sorry for the really long explanation but this will be my first car so I need all the help I can get! Thanks :)
 
I would go with the tribute because; 1. the tribute looks to be in better condition, even though it has more miles. 2. much more versatile

both look great really and both would be good purchases though
 
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