Yes, cars are expensive. But we buy new and drive it into the ground. My 2010 Honda CRV has nothing wrong with it and I take excellent care of the vehicle. It's been paid for several years. I only invest in regular maintenance (breaks, tires, oil changes).
I have never, ever leased a car and probably never will. Who wants car payments forever ? I find you always wind up saving if you maintain and keep a long time. Cars can easily last a decade, 12, 15 years now. (You just have to stay away from those luxury, finicky German lemons, Mercs, Beemer and Audi!)