Back in the 60's a friend of mine once had the same problem. His solution was unique and might not work today.

He would just pick up a very used beater from a low-rent car lot for around $50. $70 was his top money. Then he would drive it until it blew up.

After he coasted to the side of the road he just got out, walked, and never looked back.

Once we were driving down Jefferson Street in Dallas and when the thing, in this case a very rusted out 1956 Chevy four-door, died we just walked to the next car lot. He picked out a 1949 Plymouth with some of the worst recaps on the lot. For $50 we were back on the road and that price included $1 worth of gas, which was about four gallons.

I think he finally bought a real car in 1974.

He called his solution perfect for someone with more time than money.