Or next time you buy a new car, just keep your old one as a project.

That's what I did when my old car died. I was originally going to sell it for parts on Craigslist, but then I got the crazy idea in my head to buy some tools and attempt the repair myself over the summer. Got it back in working order and I've been wrenching on it ever since.

Like you said, no pressure in having it fixed on time if it's not your daily driver.