What's the best family car for up to $2000?

WOW that is a loaded question. they are all built to be safe (except maybe Nader's Pinto) , where I live all used cars must pass a safety test and be certified as road worthy by a licensed mechanic before you can put them on the road. Certification covers brakes,windshield,body, right down to whether the horn works; so depending where you live the car will probably have to be certified, Reliability is a different animal! I've had brand new cars that were lemons from the day they rolled off the assembly line and 15 year old cars that never needed more than new tires,pads,and oil changes as time and miles passed, Cars that have been in write-off accidents are also recorded in the vehicle history report that must accompany every used car, (where I live) So there is no simple answer because I don't know what will come automatically by law where you live. Basics 1/ safety check 2/ vehicle history 3/ has the car been maintained (ask owner if they have any proof of regular service 4/ look at fluids (oil,tranny,brake,rad) 5/ crawl under and look at the shape of exhaust,body,tires. 6/ take it for a ride and listen to and feel the car. Again - I'm currently driving a 1994 Caddy that I got for $1200.00 and it has been a dream to run & own for over 4 years.

Very well put Chassy.

Check out ex-police cruisers, Crown Victorias are pretty cheap when the agencies are through with them and they have had regular maintenance through their lives. Very safe.

OK - so now there's 4 of us,I am very partial to the Taurus and yes indeed I know a few happy guys that bought Crown Vic ex-cruisers

Thanks for the help, I'm from England so just needed an idea of make and models in that price bracket, cheers for the advice

Cheers back at you,I am sure we all do hope we helped you out