If French cars are considered unreliable (or even less reliable than German ones), why do I see lots of old Peugeots, Renaults, and Citroëns in Europe? Why not buy Japanese cars of the same years since they are more reliable?

From automobile enthusiasts, from friends, from car mechanics, I always hear that French cars are unreliable. Yet, I see so many French cars of the 00s and 10s in Central and Eastern Europe. Is it cultural? If I didn't have money for a newer car, I'd go with Japanese ones and have fewer maintenance problems on my shoulders.