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

[skyactiv]

Lots of Hyundai and Kia suggestions but I wonder what it would cost to insure one vs other makes?

 

[PandaBear]

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...

Why no hybrid?

Also how old are you willing to accept? 5k-10k is not a lot so you most likely have to get an older car if you want all that. Camry wagon would be 20 years, maybe Acura had a wagon newer than that, maybe Malibu is reliable enough? I don't know.

Most recent hatchbacks I can think of are more about racing than towing and reliable.

 

[grampi]

Lots of Hyundai and Kia suggestions but I wonder what it would cost to insure one vs other makes?

I doubt there would be any huge differences on ins. premiums for any of these vehicles. Now if one of them was a new Corvette, or something exotic like that, that would be different. Ins. premiums for these vehicles would mainly be based on my info...driving record, claims record, credit score, where I live, etc...

 

[grampi]

Why no hybrid?

Because of the expense of replacing the batteries...

 

[PandaBear]

I think with all that requirement (age and mile not mentioned): Camry wagon, older Sienna, Venza, and if you trust GM: Buick Regal? You will have to go very old Toyota or GM.

 

[GR_CoB]

What were the model years with all of the engine failures/replacements? Wasn't that the 2.4 liter engines?

H/K 2.4L were always a hit or miss. Those were in Sonata/Optima, Sportage/Tucson, and Santa Fe, and later model Sorento.

All the models I recommended earlier though came with either a 1.6L or 2.0L, and in pre-2011 era are quite reliable.
KIA Spectra5 is my favorite, severely underrated vehicle.