Cheap reliable transport

[Dr Jekyll]

What is really the most cost effective way (£ per month) of keeping on the road? Assuming say 15,000 miles a year, that you need the car to be reliable and you don't have the expertise or inclination to do much maintenance yourself. How old a car and how long should you keep it?

Ignoring the extreme positions of a new car every three years to avoid the risk of expensive explosions after 37 months, or reliability isn't relevant because fixing it is part of the fun. Also ignoring the argument that a new or prestige car will gain extra business or that financing a car will allow you to invest your savings and make a fortune.

I know someone who buys 2/3 year old ex lease cars at auction then sells privately after another 2 or 3 years. Which sounds risky but works well for him.