[throwaway0a5e]

If you start with a $1300 beater that needs brakes to drive reasonably and a whole laundry list of "this is starting to go and might go next week or next year" items you can pick up the experience as fast as your budget allows.

When you only have hundreds in the bank paying someone to do a timing belt when the kit of parts is $120 just isn't an option. You either do it yourself or you cross your fingers.