Originally Posted by MoPowa
The vehicle that's currently filling this role is a Subaru legacy. I'm very seriously considering trading this for a new vehicle because of the above points (Max 32 mpg, problems sourcing parts for repairs, etc.) I haven't run into an issue yet where I felt the awd was necessary ( if that helps with the recommendations). I will definitely look into the Prius and cx5, those weren't on my radar. Thanks!
What year Legacy do you have? I have the two in my signature, and though they max out at 35 mpg highway, the newer one only cost me $2100 (pretty, rust-free CA car with the nice snowflake alloy wheels - in great shape and pretty much sorted when I got it too) - which buys a lot of gas on a $10K used car budget. Not sure about your problem sourcing parts, I'm not a mechanic, and only in the past several years started working on my own cars and find that they are easy to work on and not hard to get parts for.
My 2010 Prius fit most of your criteria, though I'd be hesitant to get another Gen 3 Prius (or Prius v wagon, which has the same powertrain) due to propensity for blown head gaskets and oil consumption at higher mileage. My 2003 Legacy is just the better car than the Prius overall by a good margin and way more fun to drive than the Prius. Actually the 1996 is funner than the Prius too. Being able to have full AC/heat while camping in the car at night, while the engine cycles on only as necessary was the high point of the Prius though. I think I spent a total of two months sleeping in the Prius (with a big dog) over three years of road trips, including a comfortable night below -40 degrees.
Actually, if you do want a Prius, get one that needs a new engine or head gasket. That way, it's deeply discounted when you get it, and with the new engine you're good to go for another 150K miles or so (though save $2K for the new traction battery that will be needed after 10-15 years of service). Same for Subarus. My 2003 Legacy came with the headgasket replaced just 10K miles before I bought it this past summer, as well as a new clutch, CV axles, steering rack. At the rate I drive, I probably don't have any more large expenses on it for another 10-20 years.