Is Buying a Gen 2 Still a Viable Option?

Oh boy.... My search for a car continues. I posted previously in the Gen 3 and 4 sections, thinking that Gen 2 are just too old now. After reading how Gen 3 have too many issues, I settled on Gen 4. But my problem is that inventory is very low and prices are very high, often above KBB values (echoes of the Covid era!) -- usually around $13k for cars with around 200k+ miles. The vast majority have salvage titles.

Removing the date filter I had set in my searches (FB Marketplace, Craigslsist, Car Guru etc) I find that there are tons of Gen 2s out there for around $4k-$5k, and with clean titles. I've had Gen 2s twice in the past and they were great. I started being swayed by the fancy safety features etc. of the Gen 4, but honestly I don't really need them. The simplicity of the Gen 2 is starting to sound appealing, as are the prices and availability.

I really just need something reliable and comfortable for long trips between CA and NM for regular visits to an aging parent; and for weekend excursions. No daily commuting.

So is this a good idea or a bad idea? Are there certain years I should avoid? Should I only consider cars that have had a replacement hybrid battery?

I understand the last 2 years of the Gen 3 are good, so am open to that. Any opinions there?

I've also checked out Ioniqs and they're about the same as Gen 4s, maybe $1k-$2k difference. Niros are cheaper, though, at around $10k for cars with under 100k miles. But even at that price I start looking at Prii again....

 

I'm planning on taking plenty of drives up and down the coast, exploring central CA etc. I moved here almost 3 years ago and haven't had a car, so am feeling stir crazy! I also have family in SoCal, so will likely go down there once a year or so. I'm thinking probably 8k-ish a year.