I have been car free for 19 years BUT my wife owns a car that I help fuel and maintain (she pays most - it's her car). In an emergency, the car is available to me. I appreciate it greatly those once or twice a year times when I need it for whatever reason.

Buying an old clunker is no big deal. If it does not work out, sell it or donate it. Sounds like it would be nice for you to have the option available.

My problem with owning cars (before I met my wife) was that I didn't drive them enough to make the car "happy". They would "go bad" in the driveway. So if you buy a car, you should drive it once or twice a week.