When you need to get another car,

[dixiegrrrrl]

21. I buy used, always.

Preferably 5 years used, in good condition, with low miles.
That means they are affordable,insurance is cheap, they have low mileage, but past the depreciation shock.
Then I maintain them with a good mechanic, faithfully change oil every 5,000 miles
( 3,000 if driving heavy miles every day, which I don't);
Got my money's worth 3x over, never had major repair bills on any car.
Figure with gas, insurance, maintenance I have spent 1,000 to 1,500 a year for trans.

Since 1979 I have had 3 cars, they all lasted a long long time, my current car is a 1993 5 speed toyota coupe,
I bought it in 1995, it still runs great.
I have never had much long long commute schedules, tho, or did real hard driving.

Now that computer's are available, looking up car reviews, car prices, picking out a car and then waiting a few years to buy it used is very do-able.