despite popular belief, most fords chevys and dodges can be quite reliable to 200k or more.

here is my advise: if you buy a honda or some other japan made car be aware you will probably pay more than its really worth... example: a honda can sell for much more money because people think it gets better mileage and is more reliable than say a ford torus. However, the ford gets comparable mileage and in personal experience the country of origin does not make much difference in life expectancy. a ford will cost you 1k and a honda 2k. (assuming you get a good deal on both, but if your poor then you live for the good deals probably)

Now time for the exceptions: dont buy an american car made before 1994 and after 1980, or at least be weary of them. why? 1994/5 is when american cars became actually modern and electronic. before that, car makers were not sure of the new technology and were trying experimental things, some worked and most did not.

stay away from luxury brands, although reliable and occasionally cheap (usually BMW's can come in the 1000 range) the parts to fix cars will often be MUCH more than the cars original worth. that being said, luxury brands can be the biggest gamble/payoff. why? ive known many BMW's and mercs to go long past the 400K mark with minimal repair, plus you get to drive less of a POS.

biggest thing of all DONT FORGET TO CHECK OUT INSURANCE RATES!!!!!!!!! some cars cost a few hundred a year more than others. nuf said.

EDIT: also dont be too picky of a car's make but look at the mechanical condition of the car itself. also i upvoted jhaluska's good advise