Need a used compact hatchback. Recomendations?

[AJ Dual]

My 10 Chrysler Town&Country's transmission gave me the "thud of death" at 82000 miles stranding me in a left turn lane of a busy intersection (local PD couldn't even push my car to a safe spot in neutral...) and it's not worth replacing it.  Nothing about that car I liked, the AC was dead, we'd bypassed half the heater core, and it was rusting... except that it was PAID for. 

I just need something little with good fuel efficiency to get me to and from work which is 30 miles round trip.

We're looking at Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit's, Hyundai Accent's etc.

Looking at 2005 years onward, looking to keep it under $9000 and 50,000 miles if possible. Of the little &#!+box cars, what is the best &#!+box?

We're seeing LOTS of Toyota Yaris(ees) for sale on all the various used car sites. Is there a reason for that? 

[Declaration Day]

I vote for the Hyundai Accent.  Excellent car with a low resale value.  It's a great buy if you're looking for a used one.  I had one for a few years and had no problems with it.  Mine was a GS with manual transmission, and got 35 mpg city / 44 freeway.

[MillCreek]

I have been impressed with the spaciousness and layout of the Honda Fit. 

[AJ Dual]

I vote for the Hyundai Accent.  Excellent car with a low resale value.  It's a great buy if you're looking for a used one.  I had one for a few years and had no problems with it.  Mine was a GS with manual transmission, and got 35 mpg city / 44 freeway.

The best deals we've been seeing are on the Accent hatchbacks as well.

[Bigjake]

I ventured over the better part of Ireland in an 06 Yari,   I could recommend it.

[AJ Dual]

Yeah, nary an ill word about the Yaris in terms of reliability. It shows it's budget in terms of road noise, and performance though. I'm concerned about winter here in WI a bit.

We're finding some good deals on Scions XA's an XD's, the hatchbacks of Toyota's sporty sub-brand. Auto reviews are about as useless and universally positive like gun magazine reviews, considering they're advertisers too.

Any word on those, ill or good? I was impressed with the fit and finish/interior etc. was more like a VW or other German car than a Toyota, although that's just cosmetic?

[Jim147]

Not a normal hatchback but how about a Saturn S series wagon?

jim

[bedlamite]

Clicky

A couple on that list I'd go look at:
2007 Hyundai Accent GS - $6,800
2007 Ford Focus ZX3 S - $8,495 

[AJ Dual]

LOL...

It's like being stalked. We've looked at half the cars you've linked to last night.   

Especially that Hyundai at Wilde. I think we'd have bought that one save for the fact that it was a smokers car, and I could smell it two cars away as soon as you opened the door.

[Nick1911]

I'll add Ford Focus and Kia Rio to the list.

[230RN]

I've had hatchbacks and station wagons and sedans with trunks.

Get a sedan. Much more convenient when carting guns around, and it sounds like that was your only car.

Two cents worth of opinion for free.

[Monkeyleg]

This Pinto has a few years on it, but it's in good shape, and it will definitely get you to work on time.

[Ex-MA Hole]

I can fit a hard rifle case in the back of my Fit.  I'm six feet tall and the case fits in the long way.

I LOVE my Fit.  LOVE it.

[AJ Dual]

No, our other car is an '05 Honda Oddessey minivan,

We need the hatchback because it's better than the sedan for trunk-space (with seats folded) for a large wheeled steamer trunk and some tripod-like stuff Mrs. Dual has for her photography business.

But still want it small for my daily commute and to save on gas a bit.

[Jamisjockey]

Not a hatchback, but I had a Hyundai Elantra for two years.  Great car, so I'd highly recommend the Accent or Elentra wagon if you find one.

[Devonai]

Subaru Justy.  The '88 model year was particularly good.

[Antibubba]

That Pinto is now a rare and valuable "classic".  So is the AMC Gremlin.  Think about that for a second.

If I had to buy a car right now it'd be a Fit.

[Monkeyleg]

That Pinto is now a rare and valuable "classic".  So is the AMC Gremlin.  Think about that for a second.

I can't. That thought makes my head hurt.

[Bigjake]

I can't. That thought makes my head hurt.

It's all good,  there's less than a 0% chance the Prius will ever be a sought after classic.  At least the Fit is useful for what it is.

[Antibubba]

It's all good,  there's less than a 0% chance the Prius will ever be a sought after classic.

As the first mass-market gasoline/electric hybrid, and an Atkinson Cycle engine, it most certainly will be.  I expect in a few years that we'll start seeing aftermarket kits and mods for it, similar to the ones on Hondas today.  Already, quite a few have been modded for plug-in recharging, and I see a lot of other things that could be altered.

[Monkeyleg]

As the first mass-market gasoline/electric hybrid, and an Atkinson Cycle engine, it most certainly will be.  I expect in a few years that we'll start seeing aftermarket kits and mods for it, similar to the ones on Hondas today.  Already, quite a few have been modded for plug-in recharging, and I see a lot of other things that could be altered.

So, we'll see blowers and hood scoops on the Prius?

[Ryan in Maine]

I haven't seen a Honda Fit for sale with low mileage for under $10k. A Hyundai Accent should be had for under $10k with less than 50k miles. A Toyota Yaris should be had for under $10k with mileage in that neighborhood.

Others that would meet your criteria:
Chevy HHR
Chevy Malibu Maxx
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Dodge Caliber
Dodge Magnum (sometimes)
Ford Focus ZX
Kia Rio5
Kia Rondo
Kia Spectra5
Mazda Mazda3/Protege5
Mazda Mazda5 (sometimes)
MINI Cooper (sometimes)
Nissan Versa
Pontiac Vibe
Scion xA
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza (sometimes)
Suzuki SX4
Toyota Matrix (sometimes)
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen GTI (sometimes)
Volkswagen Passat Wagon (sometimes)
Volkswagen Rabbit

By "sometimes" I mean it can be found relatively close to your criteria (60-70k miles rather than 50k), and occasionally meet your criteria from a private seller.

Personally, I'd recommend the Hyundai Accent since it will be the newest (aside from the Nissan Versa) and has a great reputation for reliability. Tops in gas mileage too. Not to mention the two door trims can look pretty sporty. Maybe like a poor-man's VW Golf with some nice wheels on it.

[roo_ster]

So, we'll see blowers and hood scoops on the Prius?

Yep, so they suck even more to drive.

[Stand_watie]

Working on my third Nissan in a row. This one's a Versa. 1st two were Sentra's. +200k on both with no susbstantial broblems. 2nd one (2004) is still running fine and is being gifted to mom-in-law. First (1998) would probably still be running if the ex-wife hadn't run it into the drink.

[Bigjake]

As the first mass-market gasoline/electric hybrid, and an Atkinson Cycle engine, it most certainly will be.  I expect in a few years that we'll start seeing aftermarket kits and mods for it, similar to the ones on Hondas today.  Already, quite a few have been modded for plug-in recharging, and I see a lot of other things that could be altered.

Call me in 30 years or so,  and we'll watch the Barret-Jackson together.  I'll even buy the refreshments