Peterson Auto Sales — family-owned since 1965 and a two-time Utah Quality Dealer of the Year (1989 and 2023) — keeps a selection of compact hatchbacks in stock for Salt Lake commuters, students, and first-time buyers who want the affordability of a sedan with the added cargo flexibility. Our inventory typically features models like the Honda Civic Hatchback, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Golf, spanning various model years and trims. Each vehicle includes a free CARFAX, a flat $289 documentation fee, and no commission salespeople — just honest advice on what hatchback makes sense for you.
In the Salt Lake area, the hatchback's appeal is due to city life. Parking can be tight near the University of Utah, in the Avenues, and Sugar House — spaces where a CR-V might struggle, but a Mazda3 hatch fits perfectly. Fold the rear seats of a hatchback down, and it can hold a bike, a dorm move-in, or a Costco run - things that wouldn't be possible with a sedan trunk. Hatchbacks also shine if you're commuting on I-15, with most modern models achieving over 30 MPG combined. The long-term reliability is a bonus - iSeeCars' longest-lasting cars study consistently ranks the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla among the compact cars most likely to surpass 200,000 miles, both of which frequently appear on our lot.
At Peterson Auto, financing a used hatchback is often simpler than first-time buyers anticipate. We partner with 40+ lender relationships — offering a First-Time Buyer program for new drivers with no established credit and subprime options if you're rebuilding your credit. Winter capability is another consideration: the Subaru Impreza hatchback comes standard with AWD, and given Salt Lake's winter snowfall (NOAA's SLC Climate Book tracks the running averages), it's the hatchback most likely to handle a Wasatch winter without drama . Stop by our dealership at 8498 South State Street in Midvale, or give us a call at (801) 561-2727 — open Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–5, closed Sundays.
