This exactly! That way if shit happens and for whatever reason you can't afford to put 160 away for the odd month it doesn't matter. Also the car will be yours and you can put as many miles on it as you like, you don't need to worry if you scuff a wheel or pick up the odd car park wound.
Do your homework and you can pick up some very decent reliable cars for not a lot of money. A car that has been with the same owner for a good few years that comes with a folder full of receipts for everything and you're off to a good start. Sometimes a private sale can be better than buying from a dealer as you get to see the cars home and it's owner. This for one can give you a good idea of what sort of life a car has had. A car with a 100k on it that has had the same owner for the past god knows how many years that comes from a good clean family home can be a much better option than buying a low mileage car from a dealer who doesn't give a fuck what sort of life the car has had and is only interested on one thing.
Buying a second hand car is a minefield, but like I said, do your homework and there are some gems out there.
I'm sure if there is someone on here who is not too far from you, they'd be more than willing to help you find a decent family car. In fact if you're anywhere near Bridgwater in Somerset I'll be more than happy to help you out.