Stick to Toyota. 

I know that the European Auris and Corolla are strong bets.

Easy...go with what they use for taxi service. 

It is true that the quality of German cars in Europe is much better than in US , but they are not even close to Toyota. On the other hand, the complexity of German cars these days, make them extremely hard to work on them on your own. 

Hy!

If you want car for several years, I suggest you Toyotas among new ones. Second choice I would look at Honda or Mazda.

VW, BMW, Volvo were more reliable about 15 years ago, Mercedes about 25. Škoda or Seat about 10 years ago. Even old Fords and Citroens are still on roads there.

I would not touch Renault because it has too expensive parts.

I suggest you do some research. I was doing it for more than one year before I bought 2 years old Toyota Auris this year. I wish to have it for at least 15 years.

Good luck!

My wife is from France. Her family members there drive Mercedes and Toyotas. An occasional Peugeot gets in the mix.