For ten years I've been driving a '91 Accord. I bought it for $800. This year I finally replaced it, after putting 100k miles on it, and sold it, for $600. I ha

For ten years I've been driving a '91 Accord. I bought it for $800. This year I finally replaced it, after putting 100k miles on it, and sold it, for $600. I had the timing belt and windshield replaced when I bought it. I've also had an alternator and head gasket go out. But even with those repairs TCO is easily under $1k a year for the time I've owned it. All the cars I've owned have been used cars with over 100k miles. Pick a reliable brand and my observation is that value is more asymptotic than not at >10 years old and >100k miles. You have to factor the cost of repairs into your TCO and be willing to put up with some crappiness like dents, scratches and interior cosmetic issues. But it's much more economical than buying newer cars.