I bought my 1986 El Camino back in 1991. It now has 286,000 miles on it. The heads have never been off. I bought a set of Autozone guaranteed for life brake pads 18 years ago for 14 bucks. I just replaced the rotors last year after more free pads than I can count. I am on my third free starter and 4th or 5th free alternator.
It is still going strong. Someday when the engine does wear out I can rebuild it for a grand. Good ol chevy small block.
I did screw up the ultimate cheap formula by putting a nice paint job on it. I just could not stand the door dings and scratches the original owner put on it in the 5 years he owned it. I also have it insured for more money than it cost new. The price of nice El Caminos is going up. It is my daily driver. I had it appraised by a professional.
I get more compliments on it than I do on my 85 911.
