but I worried all the time about nicks and dings or other things that I might end up being responsible for.

To me, one of the biggest advantages in owning is that you know exactly what work you've put into the vehicle. You get to know the "feel" of the car. I confess I named my Kia Serrento Hope (lol - I have a habit of naming things). She's paid for and it hasn't given me one iota of trouble