The $1k per year is an average. Oil changes, tires, brakes, normal wear don't count. Any car will need them. You may spend $3k this year and and then spend only 2-300 for 4 more year afterward. I have an 87 765T with 186k miles. It has had some expensive years, like new tranny. But when you average the costs, even including brakes, and tires it has not gone over $1k per year.
Knock on wood, my 92 944 103k has been trouble free and expenses have never approached the $1k per year average yet.
The hassle factor is something else altogether...and I can relate. It has been more than once when I was ready to go down to my local Toyota dealer and try end my misery. Problem is the Japanese don't make a wagon comparable to a Volvo wagon.