I spent half my twenties driving beater 20 year old cars in non-costal America. Both of which I carried fire extinguishers in - because one of them had a habit

I spent half my twenties driving beater 20 year old cars in non-costal America. Both of which I carried fire extinguishers in - because one of them had a habit of springing exciting fuel leaks in the engine compartment. The answer to making it work, was of course community. That and $99 per year triple A's free towing. People to get you places when the car is down, friends who look under your car, see that the stick is disconnected from the transmission, and bolt it back on with some bolts they find by the side of the road. Friends with the same model of car who know where the good garage mechanics are.