If you're getting strapped for time by lifestyle, then newer cars are better. Agree with don't pay the new car depreciation, but a 3-5 year old car from carmax will last a long time if you avoid niche brands which are trouble-prone.
RA and other generic parts vendors are a huge crapshoot. I get on the forums for any car I own, and get the gouge on parts there. I typically get parts from the dealer or a REPUTABLE brand specialty house. More than worth it for the reliability... I like to plan my wrenching, and not have it plan me. In some cases on older cars the dealers have migrated to re-branded aftermarket crap (RA crap at dealer prices), but the forums can help you identify the best source for major parts.
If you're going to drive beaters (or land rovers
), yeah you need at least three cars for two drivers.