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Hi Jack, I'm considering buying a family car. Either a VW Golf 2003 GL 5-door hatchback 2L with 99K on the odometer or else a Toyota Vista 2003 1.8L 66K. Both cars are priced at around $8500.

Which do you think would be the better buy in terms of reliability, safety and ongoing costs? Is the Golf likely to be on it's last legs?

Any suggestions for any other economical, safe family cars around this price range would be welcome.

Thanks!

From a reliability perspective, the 1.8 Toyota Vista would rate as good as anything out there. It is essentially Corolla running gear, and the Corolla has a solid reputation for reliability. Avoid a 2.0 litre Vista as they run a D4 engine - one of Toyota's least reliable.
The Mk 4 Golf is a better driver's car but does not enjoy such a good reputation for reliability.
Overall running costs should be lower for the Toyota and both should be relatively similar from a safety perspective.
All things considered (including the lower mileage for the Vista) the Vista would be the preference.