Get yourself an old Volvo--1992 vintage or earlier. Do the usual due diligence you would do with any used car--ask a lot of questions (how many owners? accidents? speedo accurate? rust? repair records etc.). Take it to a good independent mechanic you trust and have him go over everything and give you an estimate for necessary repairs, etc.
Seriously, I have owned a 1991 740 SE since it was new, and it has it has been extremely cheap to own, reliable. It has plenty of power (not a sports sedan by today's standards), is roomy, comfortable, and has a great driving dynamic. The most I have EVER paid for something that failed was for a leaky radiator (600$). The gas mileage is not great, but not terrible either.
I have always kept it in very good condition mechanically, but lately the appearance was starting to really slide. Rather than replace a perfectly good car with many more years left, I opted to have a thorough detail job, and repainted the spoiler, bumper, --roof and hood are next.
Anyway, these cars are virtually indestructible (esp. the "red engine" which mine has), and fairly simple (no "steering column memory module" to fail for $1300). If you like working on it yourself, they are very wrenchable.
If you find one in really good condition, you might pay a few thousand or more. (there is beginning to be a cult following, and I have seen excellent condition 89 wagons for $10K) There are downsides: mileage, a few parts are aftermarket only, and they are not exactly loaded with amenities.
I plan to drive mine until electrics are cheap and have a reliable 300+ mile range. Even then, I would probably still lose money in lease payments, increased insurance, registration, etc.
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