I’ve found, after 20 years of having a car in one shape or another, the best way to save money is to not have one. I used to make excuses to have a car, but they were a money pit whether it was a newish one with low maintenance but a monthly payment, or an older one with no payment but the annual eye-watering MOT bill.
Yes, there are occasions where a car makes sense, but these days I rent one for the day (costs around £50-£70) and then give it back. The rest of the time I can get around with a £50 per month bus pass and a bicycle.
Taking into account the monthly payments, insurance and maintenance, I’m probably about £200 a month up, overall. More importantly, my outgoings are far more predictable and I don’t get stung with massive bills when I least expect them.