Reliability of car brands

Basically, I want to buy my 2nd car. I wanna spend £3k ideally but can go up to £4k for the right car. Reliability is something I care a lot about so I was wondering what be the best choice from below:

1= Honda Civic MK8
2= BMW 1 Series MK1
3= BMW 3 Series 2006 onwards
4= Audi A3 2009 onwards
5= VW Golf MK6

Basically, I want to buy my 2nd car. I wanna spend £3k ideally but can go up to £4k for the right car. Reliability is something I care a lot about so I was wondering what be the best choice from below:

1= Honda Civic MK8
2= BMW 1 Series MK1
3= BMW 3 Series 2006 onwards
4= Audi A3 2009 onwards
5= VW Golf MK6

Most reliable car on your list is easily the Honda. It's not even a fair contest. The Golf is also reasonably reliable too.

And I'd avoid the BMWs. Although BMW use quality parts they are not actually that reliable and they are expensive to repair. Both the BMW cars you mentioned have had problems and score really low on the reliability index. The BMW 3 Series have had a history of numerous recalls. Furthermore a car of this amount of age, increases your risk that something bad might happen to it. The Audi falls into a similar category, luxurious cars no doubt, but not particularly bought for their reliability.

Tbh, my dad wants to get a bmw, cuz of the badge... thats literally it. But I know it'll be hard to drive in snow (RWD)

Not hard, impossible Used to stay on a hill and see my neighbours beemer scrabbling backwards down the hill as he frantically tried to get some traction and avoid drifting back onto the crossroads, his face was always a picture...or my mates fancy M5 that he had to abandon till he got some rolls of old carpets out (In fairness you need to balance this against how often we actually GET that sort of weather, maybe 10-15 days a year?)

The golf, Audi and BMW look very smart.
The 3 series is a great car if you avoid anything below a 320i, Same with 1 series nothing below 118i, to under powered for the weight.
BMW often get lots of electrical faults in the older cars due to the complex sensors, frequent replacement of fluids including blinker fluid and using a higher octane fuel is recommended. Rear wheel drive is always fun!
The rest are front wheel drive, with the exception of some Audi's, better control in the snow and cornering.
The Audi and Golf are more professional and sensible compared to the civic, however it all depends on which engine you get for the fuel economy and how you drive. The civic look good, but are not very smart. Much more likely to be stopped.
The golf, Audi and BMW are all very similar, and can all be found for 3k, just be sure to check the mot history and service history along with checking the dipstick and for leaking oil and smoky exhaust.

Whats blinker fluid? Indicator fluid?

I dont mind electrical problems as I can leave them if need be, but mechanical problems is what I dont want...

I would love a type s civic but they are quite expensive for a good model. Near 4k...

I have a VW Polo which is reliable and nice to drive so I'd say VW are reliable especially since they're German.

Don't buy that era of 4 cylinder BMWs. The engine used in x16i, 18i, x20i, x16d, x18d, x20d ALL have timing chain issues and are to be avoided