If you want a life free of expense and stress don't buy a car.

I've had every kind of vehicle under the sun from old banger to old classic to brand new 'prestige'.

They all need fixing.

They all need servicing.

They all need maintaining.

They all need fuelling.

They all need insuring.

They all need taxing.

The bottom line is this. If you have a £1000 car and you are going to spend £1000 getting it up to scratch, after your expense, it is likely to be in better shape than a £2000 car on some forecourt.  Unless, it's a major fault like new engine or tranny, you won't get much savings on buying a 'fresh' car. Although that said, I do know lots of people who have spent £2K on their £750 car because they love it so much and couldn't part with it.