My bikes are both toys and tools. You could also do what some people on this forum do drive part way and ride the rest. It sounds like you are a cheap guy and like tinkering a bit so you can surely find a cheap used bike and do a bit of work and if you ride it a few times with a significant distance you can pay it off in no time maybe a few weeks.

Buying a cheap good gas mileage car with only liability is pretty cheap too especially if you can do your own repairs.

If nothing else get a cheap beater bike to run short errands it will save you some money and get some exercise. Bike commuting can be dirt cheap. And yes Walmart bikes can get the job done with correct expectations.