Might sound like overkill, but there are inexpensive digital wrenches out there. I just did a search on eBay and found some interesting options around $100.
I think the advantage of digital for you is no need to worry about setting it back to zero or whatever, no issue with it sitting for prolonged periods (I remove the AA batteries after each use). Really easy unit conversions and pretty awesome consistency.
The ACCURACY of torque wrenches, in my opinion, is inconsequential. Most often for automotive, what you really want is consistency.
Maybe there is a GJ thread on the discount digitals, but my sense is, it's pretty simple technology. And cheap may be nearly as good or just as good.
Digital torque wrenches that can do angles are pretty helpful. More and more manufacturers are specifying angle requirements and they aren't always easy to achieve with a wrench that does it.
I agree with you that flex heads are pretty nice to have, but I got away without one for decades.
Other thing to consider is a used truck brand wrench like Snap on, clicker. Even an old worn one will probably still be accurate and consistent enough. To be honest, the cleanliness of the hardware plays such a huge role in torque that the accuracy of the tool is almost insignificant. I would not pay a premium for the most accurate torque wrench.
I have 2 Snap On Techangles (with early gray handles) that I bought for $90 and $150. The $90 one needed to be rebuilt so I sent it to Snap on and they rebuilt it for $80 (a while back). At $170 for a Techangle, I thought that was a good deal. You might be able to find something like that on Facebook Marketplace. Worth a look before you pull the trigger.
