Used VW Jetta or used Toyota?

Buy the Toyota if the total cost to own is your main concern. Not only are VW parts more expensive, so is the labor to repair them and the insurance is higher too. They also have a higher rate of repair.

Now if you're looking for a great drivers car that you can modify, upgrade and enjoy as an enthusiast the VW is hands down the better choice.

A Toyota would be less likely to have problems, but ANY 1995 model car is likely to have problems. Therefore the best to buy would be the one with the fewest problems as determined by a mechanic's inspection, especially if you only have $2000. You don't get much car for that kind of money and it pays to get an inspection to prevent having to spend much more money just to keep it running.

You're asking about 20 year vehicles here...

At this point of a car's life, how each example has been driven and maintained throughout its life is far more important than any generalization you can make regarding the whole model line-up.

Toyota

A 2K Toyota is pretty well used up, but it will still be a better car than a Jetta, which will be in the shop more than out.

At 2K, ANY car is a gamble.

Toyota beats VW generally.

VW Jetta

Toyota is LAME! GO WITH A FORD!

Vw is better go with that