Many cars are a lot like anything. You get out of them, what you put into them.
I drive a BMW 540, and that thing had it's issues in the past (long story short, dealer hosed me on the information about it) but once fixed, it's been phenomenal.
Make sure you keep up on the maintenance of the car, and not beat the crap out of it, and you'll more than likely be okay with just about anything you buy. From a 78 Chrysler Cordoba, a 60 Chevy pickup, an 02 BMW or 1984 Ford Thunderbird.