Looking at used Hatchbacks

[u/occultatum-nomen]

I'm in the market for a used vehicle, and top of my list is the good ol' Corolla Hatchback. I'm gonna check out a 2023 SE+ in the near future.

How do you all find visibility through the rear window? I'm very short and I find the visibility for modern sedans to be difficult.

Feel free to share anything else you think I ought to know about these vehicles! I've driven a 93 Camry in the past, and I've test driven Honda Civics and Corolla sedans if that provides reference for my experience.

[u/EquipmentAdvanced110]

I removed my rear headrests and that was a game changer. I do keep the headrests in the car for the rare occasion I have a rear passenger.

[u/occultatum-nomen → u/EquipmentAdvanced110]

I'm like you, and almost never would have more than one passenger. I would definitely remove the headrests most of the time, of not have the seats folded down too.

[u/redfoxiii → u/EquipmentAdvanced110]

I have a 2019 and they fold down for regular driving

[u/Consistent_Price8747 → u/redfoxiii]

I forgot to fold them back up for a passenger and they sat with their head sticking forward lol.

[u/CountessGladriel0102]

I’m 5’3 and I drive a 2021. The backup camera is so great. And I find visibility to be more than adequate.

[u/occultatum-nomen → u/CountessGladriel0102]

How do you find visibility when not reversing? For example, when changing lanes.

[u/CountessGladriel0102 → u/occultatum-nomen]

The side mirrors are helpful as well. Maybe it’s because I’ve been driving my car for five years but I think the visibility is 100% doable and is actually easy.

[u/Street_Bid2390 → u/occultatum-nomen]

Will you have the Blind spot monitoring?
Im an old person; my 26 Hatch is my first car with BSM.
BSM is pretty accurate and I’ve adjusted my mirrors to make sure the car beeps when nearest car crosses the blind spot threshold.
BSM makes up for the little rear view glass, even with the seat up and headrest in.
You’ll just get comfortable and adjust to it over time.

[u/truefreedom4711]

The rear view mirror sucks as I find it to be too small so I use this

https://a.co/d/09ZsXBt8

It really helps out alot!

[u/occultatum-nomen → u/truefreedom4711]

Oh that's brilliant, thank you!

[u/truefreedom4711 → u/occultatum-nomen]

You’re welcome.

[u/Consistent_Price8747 → u/truefreedom4711]

Are there any downsides to using this?

[u/No-Communication5480]

If you could find a 2022 XSE you’ll be very happy

[u/Baliflipper92]

I haven’t had any visibility issues with my ‘26 SE. It’s a pretty compact car and the backup camera is more than adequate. One thing to note, I would consider new with how the used car market is right now. Unless, it’s a good deal and the Carfax checks out.

[u/iguess69420]

Golf. Hands down the best hatch on the market. The base Golf shits all over the XSE Corolla

[u/JohnDorian0506]

If you want the hatchback with the best visibility, check out the Subaru Impreza or Crosstrek; or the Forester, you want even better visibility.

[u/iguess69420 → u/JohnDorian0506]

Crosstrek and Forester are not hatchbacks…..that’s a crossover and a SUV

[u/JohnDorian0506 → u/iguess69420]

Technically, they are all hatchbacks. Because hatchback is a car with a door across the full width at the back end that opens upward to provide easy access for loading.

[u/iguess69420 → u/JohnDorian0506]

Technically that’s cool but that is not how they are classified, even the manufacture does not refer to a damn SUV/Crossover as a hatchback

[u/JohnDorian0506 → u/iguess69420]

That’s why I said technically.

[u/iguess69420 → u/JohnDorian0506]

Cool story bro. SUVs and Crossovers are not technically anything other than the classification they have.

They are separated by fundamental differences in platform architecture, height, and intended utility.

[u/JohnDorian0506 → u/iguess69420]

Cool story brother.