Thanks! Mazda 3 and Impreza have very positive ratings on Consumer Reports, KBB and other sites. What are major problems with these cars? I know Scotty and many others on this site don't recommend hybrids due to battery replacement and other expensive repairs, but Prius has good reputation too.

The old Mazda’s had weak automatic transmissions. The Subarus tend to have engine problems as the get high mileage, however can be an excellent car if you don’t put >150,000 miles on your vehicles. They too have weak CVT transmissions. Yes, Scotty doesn’t recommend a used hybrid due to repair cost reasons, nothing wrong with the actual car itself.

Thanks! I live in Priusland - the owners I've spoken to love their cars. Besides $2,000-$2,500 battery replacement needed between 150k-200k miles, what other expensive repairs are common on Prius hybrids?

No worries -

https://youtu.be/VxOM1deFcbw

Is the $2500 for an OEM brand new Toyota hybrid battery? Or for a refurbished one?

@alohagirl also see below:  you will have to find a competent mechanic who knows how to work on hybrids and being a specialty will charge more.  It’s best to stick to non-hybrid vehicles esp. as you rack on the miles over time.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p0F5e-lrlWQ

Thanks! I will avoid Prius based on multiple warnings from forum members about expensive repairs. Local dealership told me $2500 for refurbished Toyota hybrid battery.

Yeah if you wanted to replace the hybrid battery, I’d go the whole hog & get an OEM brand new battery from Toyota. The refurbished ones will only last until the old cells start to wear after a few months, and then you’re back to square one.

Thanks! I am in my 50's and drive alone mostly. When driving on highway and long distances, wouldn't Mazda 3, Impreza and Prius provide smoother ride, less noise and a little bit more luxury than Honda Fit? I know that added insulation and seat pad can help with noise and comfort level.

Well yes generally since they are larger that is correct. For 10 grand in the Bay Area you can find 2014-2016 Toyota Corollas in good shape. It also gets around 40mpg city and will last a long time.
I also like the Mazda 3 but they aren't as good as a Toyota. The Mazda 3 is more fun to drive.
The Subaru Impreza (I heard, haven't driven one) is more comfortable. But keep in mind you would want a manual transmission as the CVTs don't last more than 100k miles and can cost a few thousand dollars to repair. I doubt you would want to shift your own gears on I-80 that would be a nightmare. Hybrids actually get better fuel economy in the city, whenever you press the brake pedal it regenerates the electricity. The Corolla and Prius basically get the same fuel economy on the highway (between 40 and 45 mpg).

The Matrix and FIt actually are more sporty than comfortable if you are looking for comfort especially on long highway drives those wouldn't be your best bet.

In that situation I personally would go to the nearest Toyota dealer and test drive the 2014-2016 Corolla or even the Scion IM you suggested.

Thanks! I used to own Toyota Corolla and liked it, but I want a true hatchback now.
Since I first submitted this posting, the Scion iM, Corolla iM and Matrix sold!
Are there any good CVT's? Why so many problems with them?

The Corolla is CVT is the best I can think of, and they last if you take care of them...
The Civic ones were good after they fixed the bugs (the first few years up to 2015 had problems) but the hatchback versions have a troublesome engine.
Forget about Nissan CVTs
Subaru CVTs aren't much better 100k miles max
Mazda still hasn't adapted the CVT and their 6 speed automatics are pretty decent

The Prius CVTs are almost bulletproof but the generators, batteries, and all the electrical stuff cost a fortune after around 150k miles.

There is also the Toyota Yaris (pre-2018 model years) but they are cheaper economy cars keep that in mind.

There are plenty of those cars (Matrix, IM...) out there you can find many in the bay area I like to use cargurus.com for dealer and craigslist for by owner.

I think you should test drive some of them to see if the ride is good. Honestly hatchbacks just aren't popular in the states. Are you willing to drive a manual transmission? If so, I would still keep on looking for a Scion IM/Corolla IM. I don't know what happened but the Corolla sedan transmissions were bulletproof but the hatchbacks had CVT problems.
The Honda Fit is a good choice if you don't mind the ride, so is the Matrix but the 4 speed automatic is a little behind the time in terms of fuel economy and performance.

You might actually want to look into a 2014-2017 Mazda 3, those are pretty decent cars. I still would recommend Toyota first.

I feel you the hatchback is a good body style but Americans insist on SUVs and trucks so there aren't many models.

In Europe, they have the Toyota Auris which is a great hatchback. Those were brought to the US as first the Toyota Matrix, ,then the Scion IM, then the Corolla IM, and now the Corolla hacthback.

...

I see lots of Priuses around here in northern California. I would stick to 2012+ with lower miles.
In my original post, you can find hyperlinks next to my profile like the Toyota and Honda common problems or Toyotas to avoid or the Used Car Buying Guide those were compiled by some other members and I to help people buying used cars...

Thanks! I have spinal injury that makes my right hand very weak and difficult to use, so I can no longer drive manual transmission. I need a car that's easy to maneuver since my left hand and arm do most of the steering. I would love to have driverless car!
I have read through all hyperlinks and watched dozens of Scotty's videos.

Thanks! 2012 Matrix I was interested in got sold before I had chance to look at it. Darn! What's max # of miles you suggest for 2009-2013 models? There's a 2009 with 80k miles available.

A 2009 with 80k is reasonable for a 12 yr old vehicle. Toyota's are usually well driven so you might be hard pressed to find a low mileage one for under $10k. Assuming the previous owner took care of the car and didn't abuse it there would still be a LOT of life left in the engine and transmission. Personally with Toyota's, I'd be more concerned about how the car was cared for in the past vs the number on the dash. I would road test the car and if you like it pay a trusted mechanic to inspect it for abuse and flood damage. Good luck.

Thanks! I will look for Matrix base. What's max # of miles you suggest for 2009-2013 models? There's a 2009 with 80k miles available.

That seems good. Really I would say with any daily driver in the $5k-$10k range it shouldn't be more than 120 130k miles. I'd check that one out assuming its a base model.
Remember to have a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection on it if you plan on buying it.

Here are some common problems:
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Matrix/2009/

As you can see, Excessive engine oil consumption is very very common and is because of an engine defect I talked about. You will see most of the complaints are of the S and XRS trims as they had a different engine. The other areas don't seem to have any issues, that was the primary reason I suggested the base model.

As for price, I'd say for the region it isn't worth more than $7000 and ideally after negotiation should be less than $6000, that would be a decent deal.

Good luck!

Also, keep in mind the Pontiac Vibe is the same car as the Toyota Matrix and you might be able to get it cheaper.

Thanks for guidance on Matrix. I read in this forum and Scotty videos saying Pontiac Vibe has same engine as Matrix but it is not as well constructed. Are differences significant?

It is the exact same car. Engine transmission suspension chasis ...
The only different components are the AC, Heater units and some of the hoses and belts.

I thought I heard Pontiac Vibe body used lower quality materials and not as well put together as Matrix.