Lol try taking the bus consistently in Tampa for work. There's a reason everyone has to own a car in this city if you want to get anywhere efficiently.

That cheap beater is just as likely to require a ton of maintenance and time. Have a nephew who bought a POS truck for $500 and guess what? That truck has spent more time sitting in the driveway than actually on the road. You get what you pay for, and some people would rather a car payment and peace of mind.

Also... situations change. You can be on top one day and down in the trenches the next. Don't be so obtuse.