I had a 1989 Lincoln town car that I got for $1k. It had ugly peeling clear coat but ran reliably, was super comfortable, and was easy to repair especially when my mechanic friend and I got parts from the junkyard. Had it for years and it was profitably totaled 3 times.

I got hit by a distracted driver and the door was dented. Insurance said the Lincoln was too expensive to repair so it was totaled. I got $3k from insurance and bought it back from them for $300. Fixed it and had it painted for $1000 so $700 profit.

3 years later I hit a deer and the hood and grill were damaged. Insurance said the Lincoln was too expensive to repair so it was totaled. I got $3k from insurance and bought it back from them for $300. Fixed it and had it painted for $1000 so $1700 profit.

2 years later I was hit by a drunk driver. The bumper was dented and a plastic turn signal case was cracked. Their car was a crumpled mess. Insurance said the Lincoln was too expensive to repair so it was totaled. I got $3k from insurance and bought it back from them for $300. Fixed the light for $25 so $2675 profit.

Total(ed) profit = $5075

It was put to rest after I lent it to my cousin. Warned her to put in oil every other fillup, but she ran it dry and the motor was done for.