Getting a reliable car just means that you won't be putting as much money down on repairs, you still have to keep up with regular maintenance: oil and fluid changes, tires, brakes, filters, and etc. it really adds up, more so if you're doing some hard driving, city driving, or if you're going to have the dealer maintain your car.
As for gas...to put it into perspective I'm getting around 8-9L/100km in my 8th gen civic, on regular (~1.25/L) right now. That's city btw. I've been keepin an eye on the mpg meter when driving my friend's IS350. Averaged 12L/100km. Pure highway, coming up from Seattle, on premium gas. It hurts lol.
You said this is for university, I'm assuming for one of the local ones? Just keep in mind that you'll want to have some cash to spare for food and activities, and for whoever said that cars will get you some action: uhhh...take a look at the school parking lots please. I'm at UBC and luxury cars are a Dime a dozen there. I'm seeing more 3 series than Corollas, and there's plenty of very expensive sports and supercars to look out for.
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