Id like to add to that-

Drive it like you stole it IF you maintain it.

Protect the old lady IF its just a beater car.

I had a rusted out horrible 81 240 4-speed for a long time, and I maintained and protected the drivetrain, but the rest of the car was too far gone. I also drove as fast as possible everywhere I could go.

It only seemed to run better being pushed, I actually managed to pass someone on highway 1 on the california coast in it! This was after a year of driving and bringing the maintenance up to current. I would keep it under 75 for a top speed. Smoked for a lot of months getting rid of carbon in the exhaust system, but after a while it burned it all out and purred like a kitten.