When buying a 2nd hand car am I better to....?

[Kimbles01]

Try and find a make you like, then ring a mechanic to find out how much replacement parts would be, and how readily available parts are to get.

Often European cars are more expensive to service and repair.

ETA- DH says older car with lower kilometres is best. If its early 2000/2001 made car most safety features will be similar to newer cars, with the exception of brand new vehicles now. Manual also tend to be cheaper than automatics if you don't have a preference. Early 2000 mitsubishi lancers are great cars.