I worked my way through school at a car wash..I saw just about every make & model. I really saw the difference between a quality car and cheaper one.
It does make a big difference if you take care of your vehicles though. My GF's father (a part time farmer) drives over 120 km each day to work and back. He changes the oil religiously and takes care of his vehicles...We have a car and a truck handed down from him...both over 300000 km...both run great. His wife has a Mazda with over 230000 km and it looks & runs just like brand new.