My first car ever that I'm still rolling (had it for last 2 years) is a mazda protege 1999 1.6 DOHC manual, no clim, no power locks/windows
I bought it from my uncle for something like 2 800$ (brand new: exhaust line, brakes, tabs, battery)
The only major prob I got was the starter that fucked up last winter, the exterior ground wire was so oxyded lol, But it cost me 100$ to get it reapaired (repaired lol, not a brand new) And I did the switching job so no mecanic $$$. I changed oil/filter every 5 000 kms and put gaz in it and it's still rolling very good considering it's a 13 y/o car. I also added little transmission oil. I also did a little body job when the driver side rocker panel had a rust hole in it
That'S my roll, but I plan on buying a 2013 Ford F-150 withing next 5-6 months, and maybe a sleeper car (something like jzx's) in next 12-16 months.