If you’re looking for a used car under $5,000, have you considered a used hatchback? Hatchbacks offer convenience and more cargo space than most compact cars. In addition, they are flexible and have excellent visibility thanks to their large rear windows. If you are familiar with Consumer Reports, tests have been conducted on many different models to find the best used option. When it came to used hatchbacks, the 2005 Pontiac Vibe and 2005 Toyota Matrix were highly recommended.
Good vibes only for the Pontiac Vibe 2005
Price Range: $4,150 – $4,600
Are you a lover of SUVs but want all the benefits of a hatchback? If you answered yes, the 2005 Pontiac Vibe is a good option. Under the hood is a Toyota-built 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Four-wheel drive is also available.
If you opt for a used Pontiac Vibe GT model, this model uses a more robust version of this engine and is equipped with a manual six-speed gearbox. The front seats are comfortable and the rear seats offer plenty of legroom. The cargo area has up to 25 cubic feet of space. Plus, you can easily fold down the rear seats to make more room for those oversized items.
Consumer Reports gave the 2005 Pontiac Vibe a reliability score of 4 out of 5 and an overall satisfaction score of 3 out of 5 owners. Drivers love the handling and performance options for the price. And should something go wrong with the Vibe, it can be repaired cheaply.
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The 2005 Toyota Matrix is also one of the best used hatchbacks
Price Range: $4,275 – $4,950
The 2005 Toyota Matrix is a small car that is available with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine delivers good performance and one owner reported 27 mpg. In the cab, the head and legroom is great. The rear seat is even supportive and offers good posture.
The backrests can easily be folded down if you need a flat load floor. The front passenger seat can also be folded down if you need to store a ladder or plywood. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became an optional safety feature in 2005, so try looking for one.
Consumer Reports gave the 2005 Toyota Matrix a reliability score of 5 out of 5 and a rating of 3 out of 5 for owner satisfaction. Owners love how low-maintenance the vehicle is and how functional it is. They also say it offers a good view thanks to the high seats. The only bad thing about the Toyota Matrix hatchback is that it is no longer in production.
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Is a used hatchback a good investment?
Buying a used hatchback can be a good investment, depending on your driving needs. Used hatchbacks generally have a significant resale value because they are reasonable cars. And if you like a vehicle that turns heads wherever you go, a hatchback will do. They are stylish vehicles from the inside out. Longer drives with hatchbacks are more valuable because of the extra cargo space. Overall, it can be a great option.
RELATED: The Honda Fit dominates the US news list of the best used hatchbacks under $10K