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I'd look for a four cylinder E36. The M44 (96'-99' four cylinder) engine is probably the most reliable engine from the E36 line, it's also cheaper to maintain and operate than the 6 cylinders. E36 parts are easier to find than E30 parts too. E30s are good too and I wouldnt talk you out of one, but the E36 (except the 318ti) was a huge jump up in refinement. It's a much more modern car.
As for cost, I can DIY repair my 186,000 mile E36 for FAR less than a mechainc would fix a Chevy or Honda. The only true breakdown on my car was a failed alternator. $125 to replace it which included shipping and a warranty. My parent's '96 Chevy was $330 at the mechanic.
When I swapped to a manual transmission the tranny itself was a whopping $300 this spring. The new transmission on my parents old Escort was $2,700 about 13 years ago.
But really with any car, if you're a slave to the mechanic, you will always pay too much.
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