What are we talking about here? Pre-90's cars? Most modern vehicles are far too complex for anything other than a modern workshop to deal with and even an oil change should be done by a qualified mechanic.
if you get a decent car they wont break so they wont need a fix. There's no point getting a car cheap if the ongoing maintenance cost is going to be excessive in the long run.
But like bikes, everyone can buy what they want, its all down to personal preference. Some people call other people an idiot for having misconceptions about euro cars, others think people are idiots for owning one. I bought a new Honda so turns out i'm an idiot anyway.
Haakon is on the money mate.
There's no mysterious un-reliability in a euro, any more than a Subaru or a Mitsubishi. You're talking about reputations that were created a very long time ago when an Alfa was actually made by Italians in Italy.....and a Toyota was made by Japanese, in Japan.
It's not like that anymore.
(Jeep Chrysler however, seems to be in a special category of turd)
Yes Mercedes and BMW etc etc have some very tricky and "clever" systems in their cars. They always have.
And yes it's true those cars can be more difficult to troubleshoot & repair for the average DIY punter.
Mayyybe you could say that Peugeot doesn't age too well (just a random example)....but have you seen an older Mitsubishi or Hyundai? They don't always age too well either.
What Haakon is talking about is basic-to-intermediate servicing and maintenance on ANY car regardless of badge/reputation.
A $30k Renault (or even a $45k Audi or Merc) still has a sump full of oil and an oil filter. They all use steel brake rotors and composite pads etc.
They all need their tyres rotated. Many need valve clearances adjusted etc etc.
Would I tackle a VW Group DSG rebuild in my garage? Fucking unlikely.
But I wouldn't tear-down a Subaru CVT either. There's limits to what a regular owner can do with any brand.
The little bonus you'll get by "taking the plunge" with a Renault/VW/Peugeot/Alfa/Skoda is that they can be a bit more fun to drive & own than a Lancer-Rolla-3-'preza....
It sucks you've had issues with your Honda, they are/were generally very well made.