Here is a list of the cars I have owned:
1982-84 Hillman Imp 875cc
1990-91 Cortina III, 2.0 GXL Fastest car I have owned to date
1991-92 Cortina III 1.6 E Wouldnt pull you out of bed
1992-93 Chrysler Avenger 1.3 Nippy and economical
1993-93 Mini Clubman Estate 850.cc Broke it.
1993-95 Ford Escort Van 1.3 Workhorse. Ex-police
1994-95 Ford Escort Van 1.6 Rapid. Economical
1996-97 Ford Escort Estate 1.6 Broke the engine
1997-99 Austin Maestro Van 2.0D 70+mpg
1998-01 Reliant Fox 850cc Fun little pick-up
2000-01 Suzuki Supercarry 970cc Temperamental B***h
2001-03 Ford Escort Estate 1.8D Workhorse. Killed it
2002-03 Ford Escort 1.6D Gutless but economical
2004-06 Ford Escort 1.8D Ex-Police. Died of old age
2006-07 Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.7TD. It has just died!
I have never in my life paid more than £500 for a car. For me, they are for a purpose. I've had the cheapest motoring imaginable. If it breaks, bin it and buy another. They're ten a penny.