old cars vs. older cars

[HeWhoKillz]

Ok so I am considering buying another car since my last car just went. For the most part, the cars I have looked into buying were always older cars with lower mileage thinking they would last. I have bought a 93 sentra that lasted a year and a half, I got it for 1300 and it had 135000 miles on it. I have also bought a 89 century with 110000 miles on it which lasted almost two years which i bought for 200. My first car was a 91 corolla and it lasted 5 years before the engine went. I started driving it when it had about 150000 and died at 175000. When I first drove it was only 13 years old. I have been looking at a few cars that are 10-12 years old but have higher mileage, around 130000-170000 and ranging from 1200-2000 dollars. Would you expect an old car with about 10-12 years of age and higher mileage to last longer or die quicker if taken proper care of, than an older car that is 20-22 years old with less mileage. I'm sure some people can say it depends on if its some kid who drove the sh!t out of the car or if it was an old man who drives 5 under the speed limit to and from the grocery store once a week. But on average? Are there any cars ranging from 1998-2002 that are cars known for being dependable. I do alot of highway driving. I don't know if the imports like hondas and toyota were quite as reliable during that time period as the early 90's models were. Suggestions? Thoughts?