In my experience, Toyota also has the highest reliability. While my Mitsubishi has held up reasonably well considering the abuse I've dished out to it, my Toyota pickup just keeps going and going.

I've put about 50,000 miles (of its 150,000 miles) on my Mitsubishi. In that time, I've blown a head gasket, replaced a tranny, replaced several steering components, and replaced numerous components in the engine compartment which had worn out.

I've put all of my Toyota's 410,000 miles on it. In that time, I've replaced a water pump, three coils, and an alternator. I also replaced the starter but it turned out later that the fault was elsewhere and I didn't need to replace the starter after all.

Yes, the Toyota's parts are more expensive, but they last longer.

I'd say your best bet is to plan on turning your own wrenches on whatever you buy. That way, you'll not only save a lot of money, you'll know exactly what quality of workmanship has been put into it. Then just keep it maintained.