I buy a car that is at least 8 years old - that will make it be dirt cheap to insure. about 120,000 miles keeps the price down, no wrecks, a model with proven engine life, and a record of regular oil changes and maintenance.
I generally pay $3,000 to $6,000 for a vehicle, insure them for about $400/year and get six or seven years out of them. Usually with maybe shocks and struts or maybe the odd water pump or alternator to buy.
Mostly I stick with Hondas or Toyotas, though in the early 90s Saturns were still good.
If the environazis get their way, you won’t be buying old cars anymore.
Can’t beat that.
That is an excellent and wise strategy.
It is a shame you can’t count on American brands for the same legendary reliability as the Japanese manufactuers.