I'm still a fan of Kel Tecs overall, having previously owned a PLR-16 (5.56 AR pistol) and currently own a PMR-30 (no issues).
I know there's posted problems with the PF9s & PF11s but I can show you the same for the Ruger LC9S & SCCY. I almost bought a PF9 early this year but went with a LC9S instead. So far the only issue has been a front sight coming loose but it shouldn't come loose at all. it's never seen any 'hot' SD or +P ammo, mainly a diet of subsonics & light loads. So I'm not 100% confident in it for carry.
I've also got a 5 year old Walther PPS and recently picked up a Sheild 9mm, both seem to be solid reliable pistols and haven't given me any problems. But they're not what I'd consider pocket guns like the PF9.
You could also spend a lot more on a pistol like my old Kahr PM45. That was a great shooting pistol when it felt like feeding a round. Early reliability was bad, after 500 rounds it got better but never was 100%, even with it's favorite ammo (185 gr fmj). A superbly accurate pistol but IMHO the factory mags just weren't as good as the pistol. After 1k rounds it still was occasionally jamming, maybe once every 50 to 75 rounds, but not good enough for carry.
$200 doesn't buy you much in a pistol. Locally a SCCY will run me $260 NIB, if I could get a PF9 for two bills I'd take a chance. At least Kel Tec's customer service is better than average.
BTW the WORST pistol I've ever bought was a Diamondback DB380. I only had it for 300 rounds when the trigger bar broke but during that time it never ran a full mag without jamming once or twice. Tried multiple mags, 8 different brands/types of ammo, let another shooter try it, polished the ramp. Junk.