The problem is not from being a daily driver, but from modifying the car. The car in relatively stock form is about as reliable as you'll get for a sports car. When you start modifying the car, you begin to push other stock components past what they were designed.... that's when stuff starts to break.

If you want a reliable FD, follow this:

1. Replace the radiator with a drop-in aluminum radiator
2. Replace the AST with a drop-in aluminum AST
3. Remove the Pre-Cat and use a downpipe
4. Add a water temp and boost gauge

5. (most important) Leave all the other crap alone. If it breaks, replace it with OEM parts.

I drove my stock FD for years without problems (after a new engine that is). It wasn't until I began to mod the car that things began to fail and/or break.

This is the kind of car you won't be able to "cheap out" on. Parts can be expensive and there aren't really any cheap alternatives. The little things though will go a long way (i.e. spending money on good tires and brakes).

Keep in mind that you are buying a car that's over 10 years old. Things are going to break or fail in some cases just from age.