Great idea. Trying to force the issue by settling for a very high milage car, or one with a salvage title, is just going to be a waste of money in the end. I went through similar situations when I was younger, and even financed a brand new car. When I finally got smart, and looked at what I had actually paid for that car, and what it was worth when I was done, I decided I would never do that again. I drove that car for 7 years, and kept it in good shape. By that point, a car that old and in great mechanical/cosmetic condition actually was worth a decent amount. I sold it, and took some savings, and paid down about 70% on my next car, and financed the other 30%. I fixed a few issues, kept the car looking great, and sold it as soon as I had paid it off, for the price I had paid originally. From then on, I have paid cash only for cars.
Once you build up to a certain level, you can have a car that does not depreciate badly, keep it maintained, and sell it a few years later. We actually have an account where we put a certain amount each month as a "car payment". It is actually just savings to add to the money we get when we sell the current car, so we can upgrade, but still pay cash.
Once you can break the credit habit, it frees up so much more money. It is also good to know that you owe nothing. That is a great feeling.
We have friends that make half of what we make, but they have 2 new cars in the driveway. They are in a position where one missed paycheck could topple everything. I don't want that stress for me or my marriage.
I see people I work with driving brand new BMW's, and I know they are in debt up to their ears. They are constantly sweating the annual bonus, because they are desperate for breathing room. So, I do not envy their cars, I just feel sorry for them.
Trust me when I say, you do not want to be that guy.