I drive a 18 year old Rav4 that I love but it’s falling apart around me, literally. In our recent set of rain storms we found that it leaks badly. I’m trying to find the source of the leak but it’s proving a bit difficult. The car is only worth about $3500 so I’m not going to pour a lot of money into it.

I wasn’t planning on getting a new vehicle but my hand may be forced. I’m looking for advice from people who have personal experience with their cars—I know of all the options and can look through websites as well as anybody.

Here are my requirements:
1) Decent fuel economy. Ideally I’d like 35 mpg or better
2) Hatchback or small SUV or crossover. Not a sedan.
3) Good pickup. I was looking at a Prius prime, but my experience with Toyota hybrids are that when you step on the gas they think for a little while before deciding to go. I’m not talking Tesla Model S supercharger 0–60 in 3 seconds, but I’d like it to have some giddyup.
4) Oh, no Teslas. I’ve driven in several and the only one I like is the Model S and I’m not spending that kind of money.

I’ve been looking at EV, but they’re all still quite expensive and hard to get (except for Teslas, and I’m not getting a Tesla). A plug in hybrid would be okay IF it has decent pickup.

Okay, go.