I wont drive a clunker, but most cars can easily last 10-15 years without much hassle.
After 5 years the cost of owning becomes cheaper and cheaper.
I had my last car for 12.5 years and have my current one for 9 years. And the current one has never really been in the shop for repairs, just some body work , brakes and a timing belt that had to be replaced after 100,000 miles (That maintaince hurt a bit)