I've got a Subaru Forester. I absolutely love it, its been the perfect family car although its starting to show its age now - 10 years old and 117000 miles. I've had it from nearly new and it has cost me nothing in repair bills - and I literally mean nothing. I have it serviced (although not as often as I should and not main dealer) and done cam belt and that's it. I am thinking of changing it (for another Subaru), but equally am tempted to keep driving it until it breaks.
My wife has a diesel VW Golf Bluemotion which we also love. Its so efficient and cheap to run. We comfortably get 70 - 80 mpg and road tax is £30. It's not very exciting but it does what it's supposed to do.