I have always driven cars w/ average (or lower) reliability records, as reported by Consumer Reports, but have had pretty good luck w/ most of them. Conservative driving and "by the book" maintenance, including expensive vital fluids, help a lot. My wife and I agree that our alltime favorite vehicle is our 2001 VW Passat wagon, which is the perfect size and configuration for our needs.
Best wishes on getting back w/ your ex. I am glad I never went through the separation/divorce thing -- it has been tough on my friends who have.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069