Just out of curiosity, what would be the perfect car? I mean, perfect while still being obtainable within the laws of physics as we understand them.
Even if money was no object, you can't build a car that is 100% optimal in every aspect. Every change you make causes a tradeoff elsewhere. Adding armor helps in some collisions, but it just got heavier and slower to stop so it's less safe in other situations. Move the gas tank up higher to avoid that rear collision problem, and now the center of gravity is higher so it won't corner as well and might roll over more easily.
A 1980s style pickup with the bodywork replaced with aluminum or fiberglass would probably last forever. I've known many 80s Ford or Toyoras to be very fixable after the original engines quit. Ususually, at least in the north-east, the snow and salt rots out vehicles bef0re they really get to junk level
Or a '90s 4-banger Nissan Hardbody with a manual transmission. My father has one and there's a list of people waiting to buy it off him if he's ever willing to sell. Those things are great.
Even if money was no object, you can't build a car that is 100% optimal in every aspect. Every change you make causes a tradeoff elsewhere. Adding armor helps in some collisions, but it just got heavier and slower to stop so it's less safe in other situations. Move the gas tank up higher to avoid that rear collision problem, and now the center of gravity is higher so it won't corner as well and might roll over more easily.