There was a snow/ice storm in our southern city in the 1980’s and I almost made it home in my little opel (remember those?). But got stuck on and ice covered hill. Some total stranger stopped to help me and being young, stupid and cold, I got into his car (a Honda) and he got me home. A few weeks later, I sold my opel to a friend (no more snowstorms to contend with) and bought a honda civic. It was a great car. Kept it for quite a while until an au pair from England didn’t quite remember which side of the street to drive on. Goodbye civic. We had another civic which we ultimately sold to a friend for his daughter to drive. Fortunately we had great luck with them, but we have mostly preferred a Toyota/Lexus.
For those looking for a good used car, see if you can find someone knowledgeable who buys cars at auto auctions. I have a friend who has had great luck getting her cars that way. Its too risky for my blood, but she knows someone who does this for a living and it’s worked for her.