So I live in BC, Canada, and last August I bought a 2002 VW Golf GTI 1.8t 250k km talked him down from $3500 to $3100, paid $3500 with taxes.

So far I’ve had no real issue with actual drivability, I’ve driven the car about 13,000km in the past 9 months, just writing this I now realize that is a lot for a 22 year old with a very dormant job😂 anyways, the guy I bought it from hid alot of problems.

I replaced an auxiliary water pump myself, 2 oil changes so far, a transmission fluid change cus the car has a tendency to have delayed engagement when putting the car into drive, wasn’t like that when I test drove it. Transmission fluid was very dark, shifts pretty smooth after that but occasionally have to run the car a bit before putting it into drive in the morning, then is usually okay for the day.

After my last oil change at BCAA with their 42 point inspection, the guy determined my repair costs would be over the total value of the vehicle itself. Now I’ve driven this for months after that and it’s still fine and dandy, but I want a new vehicle with better mileage and cheaper on gas and I’d prefer to get it before this thing is scrap, even tho it drives perfectly fine and no noticeable issues. If you didn’t take it in you would never know it was a beater.

I need a vehicle that can actually drive in snow, and is reliable, something that will last me years preferably lol😂😂 I need recommendations. Preferably below $10k however I’m willing to finance a cheaper used vehicle, provided my insurance ($350/mo currently) and gas (minimum $280/mo currently) doesn’t kill me in addition to the monthly payment plan, I have my N, currently under one year still. The GTI gets 400 km max off of a 55L tank, lowest is like $70 for a full tank if I go across the border.

I’m so overwhelmed by what I should do to keep my monthly costs low and not break my bank with initial buying cost or maintenance/repairs. Not quite sure if lease or finance is the way to go but I’d much rather own something right off the hop or at least something that won’t take years to pay off