Maintenance Costs for different cars?

Q: I'm looking for a car with a budget of $5000, and am looking at different types of cars. For the budget I have, i like the 98-00 bmw's and audi's but i'm wondering just how much more maintenance costs(not just basic stuff like oil change but if the car needs repair) are for these makes as opposed to something like a honda civic or toyota. any examples or knowledge would be appreciated.
(2012-01-30 18:57:54)

A: The older a car gets, the more things wear out. So as time goes on the figures become worse. Now a BMW will cost at least twice as much a year to fix and being ten years old it will be having things starting to go wrong a quick rate. The Honda is known for reliability and if it is like my Mazda products most of the original parts will still be doing a good job longer then you will care to own it. Meaning things like starters and alternators.
Audi cars are not as good as BMW's for long term owner ship.
You need to realize how often the average Audi or BMW owner keeps a car for, it is designed to keep them happy for about three to five years at most and then behave in such a way that it encourages the owner to replace it. They are very good at this.
While a Honda Civic owner will tend to either own the car till it drops or pass it on to another family member or friend (knowing it should continue to be a good car for at least another five or more years).
Me, I drive Mazda products. Every one of them is over 20 years old and I am not about to sell them yet. Still cheap to maintain and fix. Problem is very little breaks and need repaired. Kind of boring for some one who loves getting their hands dirty and mechanics hate them too because there is not enough that goes wrong with one to help them keep the doors open.