I was shopping the same cars recently, until I was convinced to get something larger for the safety of my teenage driver. I was leaning towards the Mazda 3, and several people told me how much they liked it, and how reliable had been.
(Of course, I also own a Ford.)
My car before the Yaris was a 2006 Focus, bought new. I sold it just under 2 years ago with 40,000 miles on it because it burned through alternators. Ford dealerships were remarkably unhelpful - sure, no one found the problem, but they were more unhelpful than independent service stations I went to.
So it’s partially a vehicle reliability issue, but as much a customer service issue.
Modern(-ish) BMWs are not particularly small. And once the car is out of warranty, repair costs can quickly escalate to amazing levels. And I’ve had a BMW since 2002, so it’s not like I don’t like them.
The Ford Focus and Mazda3 and Volvo C30 are all platform cousins. Same with the Ford Fusion and Mazda6. There are at least some Ford parts in my Mazda but it doesn’t remind me of a Ford otherwise under the hood or in day to day driving.
For a thrill try a Mazdaspeed3 or Ford Focus ST.
not anymore.
The upper-trim-level Fits come with a tiptronic/manual-option transmission with a paddle shift. That might be a good compromise for you if you’re worried about a previous owner doing a number on the clutch in a traditional manual.
For what it’s worth, I just bought a lightly used 2014 VW [Golf] GTI with the same sort of setup (my wife has to be able to drive it in emergencies and doesn’t do manuals) and I’m already very fond of it.
I might well have gone for a lightly used Focus ST if it had been available with a similar option, but it’s only available with a “proper” manual as far as I can tell. I definitely second Balthisar’s point about Ford reliability having come a long way.
Don’t get a BMW. The only hatchback is the 1 Series and it’s ridiculously overpriced.
Oh, and I suspect you are already aware of this but you can’t get a Prius with a “proper” manual gearbox.
Yes, the Prius uses a CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic, no manual option.
Plus, the Prius is bloody boring (yes, I had the misfortune of driving them before, utter boredom) the Nissan Leaf is more fun…
Nope, you were clear. Hatchback is preferred but not required. I highly recommend getting what you prefer, though. More than once I’ve settled on a car purchase and ended up trading after about a year. Sounds like you’re not in a super big hurry, so just keep looking until you find a car you love that fits your budget.
I’ve been driving a Kia Rio for working on four years now and have had basically no issues with it. Granted, mine is not a manual transmission, but it’s been a good little car for me. The only issue I’ve had with it was a dead battery, which the dealership replaced promptly for the price of a new battery (no labor) since the warranty was up on the factory battery.
It’s definitely a small car, but the inside is spacious enough my giant of a husband can drive it without more than mild discomfort. The gas mileage is good, and the warranty is impressive.
Have you looked at the Kia Soul? I just test drove one and really liked it, I’m considering buying it as an ex-rental.
But how will you deal with the giant hamster smell? 
Giant bag of hamster bedding, of course.
I bought a 5-door Mazda3 Grand Touring in 2008 and love it. It has been very reliable, and is a lot of fun to drive. It was really handy when I was single because I could transport a lot of fairly sizeable things myself without having to ask someone with a pickup truck, yet it’s still a small car. The backseat is not very comfortable and it is lousy in ice and snow. The ride is a little on the rough side (I don’t mind, but others do). It was easy to get a manual transmission in it (a must for me).
One thing to be aware of: I found that it is absolutely necessary to buy high-end Michelin tires for the thing. It is a big up-front cost, but the tires are low-profile and cheaper brands don’t last long. In fact, when buying any small car these days, look to see if it has low-profile tires. A lot of them do. They are less durable and more expensive to replace, so it pays to be aware of that before you buy.
Thank you - these are great suggestions, all. I have a bit of time before I can even consider buying a replacement car because of the condo closing, but I’ve definitely expanded my list of vehicles to test drive as I move toward that.
Please let us know what you eventually buy.
If you’re not willing to consider a Focus hatchback with a manual, you are missing one of the best driving small cars in the world. It’s quick, returns great fuel economy, practical, and loves to be tossed into corners like you hate it. When my lease is up, I’ll have another. Maybe an RS, just for shits and giggles.
Mazda3 or VW Golf.
You are so right-low profile tires do not hold pressure, wear out fast, and go out of balance. I will never have them again.
wut
I love my Scion TC. Hatchback (shockingly roomy for a small car), standard transmission, cheap. Mine has almost 100K miles on it, and the only problem we’ve had with it is the break calipers had to be replaced recently. I blame living in Maine for that one.