[Seeking Advice] $14k OTD Houston hunting: Trying to land a reliable, modern 5-year PhD commuter without getting scammed

Hey everyone,
I’m moving into a 5-year PhD program in Houston, TX and need a reliable, newer-model daily driver that won't devour my stipend with surprise repairs.
I’ve been scouring Facebook Marketplace, AutoTrader, and local listings, but the Houston used car market is a minefield of bait-and-switch financing traps, hidden salvage titles, and high-mileage fleet beaters.
I’m trying to keep things grounded, so here is where I’m at:

• Hard Budget Cap: $15,000 Out-The-Door (OTD) (Targeting sticker prices under ~$12,500 to account for Texas 6.25% tax + title/doc fees).

• Location: Houston, TX.

• Primary Need: Ultra-reliable commuting for the next 5 years minimum and maybe some trips.

• Preferences: Clean title only, modern interior/tech (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto preferred or easy to retrofit), decent gas mileage, and non-depressing styling.

From my research, I'm filtering out the typical high-risk suspects in this price tier:

• Nissan CVTs (Sentra/Versa/Altima/Kicks transmission landmines).

• Hyundai/Kia Theta II engines & non-push-to-start theft risks.

• Small-displacement 3-cylinder turbos / wet-belt setups (Chevy EcoTec / Ford EcoSport).

• 2016–2020 Mazda 2.5T Turbos (due to the known cracked cylinder head defect on CX-9s and higher-trim CX-5s).

I’m primarily targeting naturally aspirated, proven setups—specifically Mazda SkyActiv 2.0L/2.5L 4-cylinders paired with the 6-speed auto (Mazda 3, CX-3, CX-30), Toyota/Scion iM, or solid late-2010s Corollas/Civics.
A couple of recent candidates I’ve screened:

1. 2021 Mazda CX-3 Sport (132k miles @ $11,199): Bulletproof 2.0L SkyActiv drivetrain, super modern vibe, but high mileage for a 2021.
2. 2018 Mazda CX-9 Touring (155k miles @ $10,200): Tempting price, but seller listed "motor nuevo" (replaced engine)—classic symptom of the 2.5T cylinder head leak issue. Passing on this one.

Are there any slept-on models in the $11k–$12.5k range with modern tech that I’m overlooking?

1. For Houston locals: Any trustworthy private sellers, credit union auction sites, or direct-dealer gems you'd recommend checking over FB Marketplace?
2. If you were setting out on a 5-year PhD journey with $14k cash OTD, what exact key/year/model would you be hunting for right now?

Appreciate any advice or sanity checks! Cheers!