My wife and I were born during the depression era. The only monthly debt payment we have is our monthly mortgage payment as per our CPA’s advice.
Our paid off 12 year old Lexus and my 7 year Honda Ridgeline have about 50,000 miles on each vehicle. We spend maybe $500 to $1000 maintenance per year to keep them rolling. Both of them drive like new vehicles.
If one becomes too much of a maintenance cost problem, we will lease a vehicle to replace it.
Rent a car.
Its cheaper than owning it outright. If you need one for vacations or out of town trips, even if you rent by the week, you still come out ahead.
Insurance and maintenance costs are the rental car company’s problem not yours.