Buy according to your needs

My latest used car is a 1998 Camry V6 XLE (leather/power windows/seats etc.), 162K for $3K.  Spent $500 DIY, just replaced tires two years later (now) it's $195K.  Small things power steering leak and tranny slip fixed with Lucas oil.  Engine still strong and about to cross over to 200K. This is for my daily long commutes and trips to and fro my kid's college (long hauls).  Sometimes you just a need a workhorse not the looks and this one is perfect. Guess it's already paid off and from now on I am driving for free.