far for gnugen.

i've been back just over 2 weeks, borrowing my mom's car whenever i want to go anywhere or do anything. it's been nice, but it can't go on like this. i've been debating what type of car to buy, since i definately need a car. i've had 5 cars up till now and the average cost has been $300. the question is whether or not i should splurge and buy a much more expensive car for $4,000 or $5,000, which i don't have, but would have to pay back -OR- if i should spend less money on a car that i can actually afford, but might now be as comfortable or last as long.

i had been thinking it would be nice to get a volkswagen, which i would call dependable. my brother tom has a 1989 VW Golf that he'd be willing to sell me for somewhere between $1,000 and $1,5000. he bought it for alot less and rebuilt it. so i'm debating whether or not i should buy it or look for something else. i test drove it and it runs well. no big issues that i notice or that he can find. he babies his cars and wants them to run well, so it should be fine, but there are always big questions when dishing out this much cash.

the big question right now is "WILL THIS CAR MAKE IT ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BACK?" i'm planning to head out west at the beginning of september for a month long roadtrip. i guess i'm pretty sure i'll get it, but just working through the decision once more.

so once again.......... the questions:

should i buy a car for $1,000 or go in debt to buy a car for $5,000?

can i trust german engineering to hold up on a trip across the US?

are there going to be mechanical problems that my brother, tom, overlooked?

do i wanna buy this car?

Ok folks. that's it. i'm heading up to lancaster tommorrow and could buy and pick up the car then. please let me know your thoughts on this if you have time. it would be greatly appreciated. once again, the info

1989 VW Golf. 2 door, 5 speed, CD player, air conditioning, new: clutch, tires, brakes. that's what i remember. oh, and ~$1,200