[smileysteve]

A car that averages 15k miles/year, has a maintenance record, and appears in good condition tends to be less likely to be a lemon than most brand new cars.

For an anecdote, consider that Jeep just bricked thousands of new cars, including on interstates 2 weeks ago.

That GM recalled most 6.2l engines made in the last 5 years; ... Toyota engine castings, bmw chain tensioners, Ford Ecoboost coolant passages, Porsche bearings... Most of these problems became apparent before a long term first owner sold (yes, you should do research)

A pre purchase inspection, and all around maintenance (brake, coolant, oil, transmission oil, and differential oil) will get you a long way; a $2k suspension refresh will take you even further.