Well, I would be the liar if I said I never had any problems with Sims 3. But I love the game and all it can do so much, I just can't "ragequit". Especially when I know that sometimes it is my fault the game quit on me.
I don't save as often as I should and I overwork the build mode. I know the game is getting tired when the build mode starts getting wonky and I should save and quit - but I don't! I am caught up in my building madness!
So I've learned to be very philosophical about the game shutting down - and to try hard not to bring it to the breaking point and to save, save, save!
I've also discovered that sometimes just quitting and restarting the game helps to keep it from going over the edge and cuts down on lag. And I always clear out the caches. I've managed to keep some very good games going over the last 3 years with very little trouble.
Isn't it amazing that a game that is essentially 19 years old still has such a following? I still occasionally play Sims 1, play Sims 2 quite a lot, am absolutely hooked on Sims 3, and have found quite a bit to enjoy about 4. Thank you Will Wright for such a great idea!