$1k cars are just $2k cars with dirty interiors and $2k cars are just $4k cars with one or two current problems. ¯\_ツ_/¯
I work for BigCo make almost six figures (real dollars in a moderate cost of living area, not SV funny money dollars) so it's not like I couldn't afford better if I wanted. I do all my own work so maintenance is basically free. I have other things I'd rather spend my money on.
I'm probably gonna buy a small pickup this January (when everyone else is short on cash from all the traveling and gift buying they did in November/December) because I want a middle ground between the wagons and the full-size truck. I might buy a minivan if I can find an Aerostar with a manual transmission.