Looking to buy a hatchback in the $5K to $10K price range

[grampi]

I was previously looking specifically for a Mazda 3, but the selection isn't very good. I think I'm going to have to expand my search to other makes/models. My must haves are as follows:

Must be reliable
Must be able to tow a trailer weighing 1000 lbs (loaded)
Must not have a CVT, or a manual tranny
Must not have black, or leather interior
Must have cruise control
No EVs, or hybrids
No turbos

A Mazda 3 is still at the top of my list, but I'm afraid my list must be expanded to give me more choices. Any recommendations would be highly appreciated...

 

[cptbarkey]

2nd Gen XB, has a 2.4L engine and quite a bit better than the first gen. The seats are very durable material, excellent visibility and utility.

 

[grampi]

The Honda CRV is coming up quite a bit in my searches, and I know they are reliable, however, I would want one with the 2.4 liter, not the turbo, or the 1.8...

 

[KrisZ]

Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Matrix/Vibe
Mazda2
Yaris hatch
Dodge Journey (had a 4-speed auto all the way to the end in 2020)
SWB Transit Connect
The Sonic was available without a turbo
I'm not sure if teh Cruze hatch was available with the 1.8L or if that was just the sedan.
Scion iM/Corolla iM
Scion XA or XD
Subaru Forester from 2011-2013 had the 4-speed auto and the FB engine

The Spark had a 4-speed auto in 2013 only, the first year. After that, they switched to the CVT.

Also, Honda makes a good CVT, so it shouldn't be ruled out. Very smooth and seamless, and the CVT fluid is very easy to change on them.

How often will you be towing the trailer?

 

[Quattro Pete]

The Honda CRV is coming up quite a bit in my searches, and I know they are reliable, however, I would want one with the 2.4 liter, not the 1.6...

If you're looking at CRV, then also consider Mazda CX-5.

 

[IndyIan]

Matrix is the one to get, IMO, you should be able to find a responsible owner with full maintenance records, there are a few years of bad 2.4l's but other than that its pretty good. Or maybe a 2wd CX-5 if you need more cargo space?
Did you guys get 2wd CRV's for long? I think ours disappeared around 2010.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Toyota Venza. You need a large compact to midsize for your intended use.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Here is another option from around Ohio. A woman I worked with owned and did not like this vehicle though. FWIW LOL.

 

[GR_CoB]

2nd Gen XB, has a 2.4L engine and quite a bit better than the first gen. The seats are very durable material, excellent visibility and utility.

THIS. (Spoiler alert: black interior. But not leather )
I currently daily a 2008 Scion xB. 228k miles. Valvoline R&P 5W-30 completely fixed the oil consumption in just two oil changes, which used to be 1qt/3k miles. It easily stays at 28-29MPG average on my commute. Great passing power, I use it often to pass farm equipment. Tons of space inside, front and rear. Rear suspension is quite strong, so it takes A LOT of cargo or a really hefty trailer to get it to squat. Yet when empty it is still a comfortable ride. Automatic is simple and reliable, so is the engine. Best $2300 spent.

And this is a 2009 Scion xB I had a few years ago, when they were still in production. At the time I paid $10k for it with 90k miles.

I also had a 2009 Pontiac Vibe with same 2.4L engine, but 5-speed auto instead of the 4-speed in the xB. 5AT is a little harder to service than the 4AT. Otherwise it does feel peppier, gets up to 32MPG, but is a bit smaller on the interior.

Still fits a Yamaha C3 moped inside though.

 

[grampi]

Matrix/Vibe
Mazda2
Yaris hatch
Dodge Journey (had a 4-speed auto all the way to the end in 2020)
SWB Transit Connect
The Sonic was available without a turbo
I'm not sure if teh Cruze hatch was available with the 1.8L or if that was just the sedan.
Scion iM/Corolla iM
Scion XA or XD
Subaru Forester from 2011-2013 had the 4-speed auto and the FB engine

The Spark had a 4-speed auto in 2013 only, the first year. After that, they switched to the CVT.

Also, Honda makes a good CVT, so it shouldn't be ruled out. Very smooth and seamless, and the CVT fluid is very easy to change on them.

How often will you be towing the trailer?

The Mazda 2, Yaris, and Spark are all too small to tow with. I owned one Dodge and swore I'd never own another one. I wouldn't trust a Cruze either. The Matrix/Vibe are as hard to find as the Mazda 3 (they were what I originally was searching for). The Subie and Scions are a possibility...so far in my searches I'm liking the 2.4L CRVs, and there seems to be plenty of them to choose from. I will look at the CX-5s as well...I'm leery of towing with a CVT...looks like the CX-5 is out as it has the same problem as the 3s...they are all black interiors...yuck!

 

[AZjeff]

Are you going with the official tow rating or the BITOG it will tow it easy rating? That should add or subtract from the possibilities.

 

[nwjones18]

Keep Looking Mazda 3's are out there. May just need to make a trip south to pick one up.. I had to drive a couple hours for mine.

 

[wemay]

Toyota CH-R

 

[GR_CoB]

they are all black interiors...yuck!

In Scions the headliners are always white/light gray. Interiors offer some accents depending on model year or special editions (which there were plenty).
Basic interior is like this:

While special editions had different colors (gold, blue, red, etc) based on model years:

Seat patterns also changed over the years.
Front:

Rear:

Basic, durable, comfortable. Don't discount the xB from your search. Because CR-V starters like to go out often, and require an intake manifold removal to replace the starter... Otherwise they're great cars, I'm just picking on CR-V for fun.

 

[GR_CoB]

Toyota CH-R

View attachment 268762

0-60MPH? Yes, eventually...
Rear passengers? Nah. Maybe pets at most. Or a flower pot.

 

[grampi]

Are you going with the official tow rating or the BITOG it will tow it easy rating? That should add or subtract from the possibilities.

I go by the tow rating listed in the owner's manual...

 

[grampi]

Keep Looking Mazda 3's are out there. May just need to make a trip south to pick one up.. I had to drive a couple hours for mine.

I think the CRV will be more practical for my needs. It has quite a bit more room than the 3, and there are a lot more of them around...

 

[chexxers]

driving a bit you find more options + lower prices at bigger sellers

 

[Nukeman7]

Treat yourself to something nicer than a basic penalty box. An older Toyota Highlander will meet all of your needs/wants and is something that you will enjoy as a daily driver. Here is a reasonable example under $10,000.

2008 Toyota Highlander - Ft. Wayne