But you don't have to shell out several thousand for a car, money for
road
tax, some for insurance, and more for maintenance of the car.

For long trips or holidays to - say - the lakes, it's probably cheaper to
buy a £200 car with 2 months tax/mot.

Cheaper, maybe. I'd rather keep my eyes peeled for a car anywhere in the
sub-£2k bracket that's particularly well priced for what it is, and
something reasonably well sought after so that it'll be a doddle to sell on
afterwards, rather than restrict myself to a cheap £200 old banger. Having
said that, if you're lucky you can get a car in pretty decent nick for £200.

Peter