Like any car that is over 10 years old they can be prone to breakdown. For the most part the engines a re pretty much bullet proof. You should check if the front struts have been replaced as these are prone to failiure after 100,000KM.
The main thing is find yourself a good mechanic and stick to him like glue as the key now is regular maintenance.
On my Eibach I have had a few little problems but nothing major apart from the struts.
When and if you need parts I can recommend here if you can wait five days or so for delivery from the USA
http://www.rockauto.com/
Or here if you are after parts a bit more quicker as they are in NSW.
http://www.ussp.com.au/
Whatever you do don't try and buy parts from Fraud as they are a rip off.
Good luck with it and post some pics for us.
As for your question YES I would join the RAC, cars are so technical these days fixing it yourself on the side of the road just isn't going to happen.