I think any broken down car is down to poor maitance or bad luck.
The car I broke down in many times was a reliable VW Golf GTI 16V and only because I trusted the dealer servicing which was very poor!
I did break down years ago in my mini a few times but that was my own fault for driving like a nutter in an old car maitained on a tight bugget.
My BMW has broken but always got me home before it completely died and I mean within a 1 foot of the drive and completely die!!!!
That was my fault too for driving it on an extra journey with the Battery light up
IF you think there is a rattle or noise or something is different make sure you check it as soon as possible and you tend to find the problem before you get stuck, most people seem to drive cars until they die and then get upset! Steering wheel attendants instead of drivers I think the phase goes
Paul.