Right? This is what my parent's have done for the last 3 decades. It's worked for them, they haven't wasted 1 dollar on a slightly shinier metal box on wheels.

Right? This is what my parent's have done for the last 3 decades. It's worked for them, they haven't wasted 1 dollar on a slightly shinier metal box on wheels. That's my plan, too. Bought a 2015 Kia in 2020 for $10k, which was by far the most expensive car I've purchased, and aside from usual maintenance costs (gas, oil, tires, etc.), I haven't had one single issue. EDIT: Prior to this car, I had a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. That was the best car I ever had. Bought it for $2,000 and drove it everyday for 5 years until the engine gave up the ghost. Highly recommended.