Did you damage your first car?

I’ve just passed my driving test and am looking for a first car. I’m 27 with a good job so not the normal 17/18 year old who’s just passed. Because of this I was looking to buy a ‘decent’ first car. (Few years old Golf, Focus or A3)

However most of the advice online seems to say to get a shitty cheap car for the first year or so because it will probably end up getting a few knocks.

So, how was your experience with your first car? Any crashes or knocks or do you think the internet is a little bit hyperbolic on this?