Most people would consider my daily driver 240sx to be a beater. Its almost 26 years old, 275,000+ miles, the drivers seat is looking a bit worn, it has rust bubbling up the paint above the rear tires and on the rocker panels, and can almost out-accelerate most 4 cyl and some V6 minivans, but I like everything about it. I bought it for $3600 nearly 18 years ago and its been driven almost every single day since. From 30-40 feet away it looks like its only a few years old. Up close, not so much...its starting to look like a beater.
My wife asks me all the time, dont you want a newer car? Miata, 370z convertible, something a little less worn out? Mmmm, nope. What for?.....This one still puts a smile on my face every day.