My daily driver car purchases.
Bought my first car $1,600 that lasted from 2007-2011, and then sold it for $500. (1991 Geo Prism with 110K miles)
Bought my 2nd car for $13,000 and it lasted 2011-2020 until the engine blew. ( 2008 Camry with 67K miles, Engine blew at 215K miles)
Maintenance per year is about the same, and the savings on lower insurance rates for older cars is well worth it.

I decided at that point I was done buying used, I was willing to start throwing money down the drain for my first expensive car.
Church also recommends buying a car with a 3 year max loan and buying used if you can.

Counterpoint - Used cars are super expensive these days, Today the option to get an Elantra or Santa Fe brand new is probably one of the best cost options.