I just assume that any car I buy is going to cost me a fortune and break down and that way I'm not too disappointed if it happens
The best and most reliable cars I've has was an older BMW 520, a Ford Granada Scorpio (unbelievable I know!) and my P38 12 year old Rangie hasn't been too bad
Worst were my two Minis (spent every day smelling of WD40 and every weekend fixing them), my better (engine blew up twice) and a SAAB 99 Turbo which was amazing but I blew the head gasket...my fault entirely as I did drive it like it was stolen