DP says if you want something reliable that isnt going to cost you the earth to service or get parts for you want to stick with the Japanese cars - they know how to make cars - toyotas, mitsubishis and hondas. Do not buy a european car as second hand as parts will be very expensive and a hard to get.
HTH
Be careful of newer Toyotas though at the moment. There seems to be a lot of recalling going on in the states on Camrys, Rav's and Corollas and the Aus market says there is no problem. But even saying that, I had a 96 Camry and loved it. Only got rid of it because a sedan didn't suit our lifestyle pre-baby with two dogs!

Corelly x