2002 Corolla - Buying Advice/Technical Issues

[BeirutTaxi]

Hi all,

I am after a reliable daily set of wheels to replace my now dead Ibiza. I was looking at Toyota Corollas 1.4 VVTI's but a few websites point to reliability issues with the gearbox bearings? I was wondering if anyone out there could give me technical advice on these cars and if the gearbox bearings are a predominant issue. If so what other extremely reliable daily cars could I look at? (Small engine (<2000cc), cheap insurance are a must)

Many thanks,

Matt