Some context: i've never needed a car, because i've mostly lived in cities where you can get around using transit.
I've recently moved to a rural area where unless you have a car, you're shit outta luck on the weekends, because there are either no buses or one bus a day to move around. I can make it decently far riding a bike, but it is not a substitute for a car, unfortunately. I make a modest salary, and while i don't have a lot in the way of savings, i just saw a car the next town over for sale for a very low price (under 1000). I spoke to the owner and they were very clear that the car is pretty old (1999) and needs some work, but that it still works regardless.
Considering that the car would be mostly a convenience, and that gas/insurance shouldn't be too much of a expense... am I dumb for jumping in on this bargain? might I be in over my head in case the car needs a whole bunch of repairs?
Keep in mind the goal here isn't "learning mechanics" but "getting a cheap used car on a budget". If you can't afford a newish car that won't need maintenance, you probably can't afford to have a mechanic do the service on an older car either.