imo, (i've only been an rs owner for a couple of weeks so i'm new to rsts like u)
they can be reliable if u spend plenty of money on them so that everything is working on them right if not replaced with new parts.
I think aslong as u maintain them to a high standard and don't run silly amounts of power the'll see u good.
if u've just bought one i reccommend the first thing u do is get it serviced then visit a rr, it'll cost you around £100 for the rr tune but the operator will be able to point out any probs or weaknesses in ur car