Looking for a modern, reliable daily driver (Bay Area) | $20k-$25k budget | Cash purchase

I am in Milpitas (South Bay Area, California). My budget is about $20,000 - $25,000 (Intend to pay 100% cash). I want to use it as a daily commuter in heavy traffic, point-A-to-point-B movement, and an occasional trip with friends slightly out of the city (but within the state), once in every few months.

I am a first time car owner here in the US. Recently got my license.

I am currently looking at a midsize sedan or a compact crossover.

What I really need - CarPlay, somewhat modern styling and features ( don't want something that feels stripped-down, basic or like an old rental car), reliability and low cost of ownership, and good highway/traffic performance (Bay Area gas prices are disastrous)

I brainstormed a bit with AI, and my current front-runner is a 2020/2021/2022 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid.

Cost and budget is somewhat of a priority here. Which is why I am okay with paying for the car outright and avoid (what I have been told by the AI) 6-8% used loan rates.

Questions for you guys -

1. Is the Camry SE Hybrid the sweet spot here, or am I sleeping on some better alternative?

2. The prices that I am currently looking at - are they reasonable?

3. For the 2020/2021/2022 Camry Hybrid owners - any specific quirks, trim options, or common issues I should be aware of during a test drive.

4. Is buying a used car genuinely a smart decision here? I am frugal in my spending, but I don't want to be a penny-pincher. I am wiling to consider a brand new vehicle if the cost isn't too great compared to a used one.

5. Since I am purchasing my first car here, I am not really familiar with how the purchase process works. Where are the best places to buy a car? I want to go to a dealership, but I have read on Reddit that they have a tendency to upsell and add bloat that you really don't need. Also would like to know any tactics that sellers use to pull a fast one on new buyer like me.

Thank you for your help and wisdom here. Much appreciated.