My truck (1996 Chev. Blazer) has 108,000 miles on it and has had no repairs other than things that wear out (eg, brakes). I think that there has been a major shift over the last ten years or so away from the disposable car, and US-made cars have made a greater change than Japanese. (of, course, they also had a LOT farther to go). Chevrolet engines (or at least mine) are designed to have the first service at 100,000 miles. Depending on your needs to haul stuff, you may want to check out the Subaru models like the Outback and Forester. Also, Volvos last forever, and early 90s station wagons are readily available.