Wow, a 2000 corolla has a remote. My mk4 golf (2002) with decent equipment doesn't have that (but to be fair, it also doesn't have a CD drive radio - well I could add one for ~100€ but I won't since it costs money and the original radio works).

It's extremely reliable (especially the TDI engine). After 178000km, the only problems are the surface rust, (my grandma who owned it before me) had to replace the fenders - which rusted away and I recently had to replace the rear axle. And some trunk door water leaks I still had to fix (and some weird sounds coming from the wheels when steering to the right). My mom's 2014 golf mk7 is in way worse mechanical condition than my older car.

Also: how do the 10 year olds not know how batteries work (I did basic electronic repairs back then and help my dad wire lights ) and have you thought about reporting their parents for child neglect