As an addendum to my post, I just wanted to say that I've also owned Audis and VWs. Both cars have also had their share of problems, especially the Audi A4 after 50K (apparently if you buy an Audi in Germany, the warranty is something ridiculous, like 1 year after purchase).

If you want something that relatively maintenance free until 100K, buy a Subaru or if you have the $$$, a Lexus. I just can't stand the cheap, tinny plastic feeling of the lower end Japanese sedans and the boring handling of the more expensive vehicles.