Should I buy a cheap car or pay off a newer car?

So long story short, the car I had gave out on me. It was a 2002 VW Passat that I bought for a pretty decent price with money I saved up, however I always had to fix things here and there and it all added up. PLUS because it was a German car, maintenance and fixes were ridiculously expensive (Just to replace the water pump costed me $1100!). Now I'm carless yet saving money up, I get around using the bus or rides from my parents but I need a car to get me from point A to B, I can only do this for so long! My question is if I should just buy a decent used car until it dumps on me again or should I pay off a relatively newer used car something not too expensive (for example a Kia Forte or 2012 Honda cIvic) that'l last me in the long run? I'm currently a full time sophomore in college and work full time as well to pay tuition yet I still have money left over. I make at least 1100 a month. I have enough for a 3000 dollar down payment right now if I choose to pay it off.

A used 2012 Civic or KIA Forte will cost you about $350 p/month for 5 years. Plus you will need full coverage insurance which is expensive. Paying close to $500 p/mo for transportation is too much for a student who only earns $1100.

You won't get a loan. Your income is to low. Trust me I know. Take that 3000 and buy a domestic car, Toyota or Honda from a private owner or auction but make sure you get a mechanic to check it out. They will cheaper to maintain and last a long time.

Get a good used cheap used car for now. You can't qualify for a loan on a newer car -- you don't have enough available income.

Buy knew

You should find an older car that someone has taken care of and pay cash for it.

Here is another thing you should do. If you think I'm wrong, go and talk to the business/finance instructor at your college. Ask him if it makes sense to "pay interest on a depreciation". And see what he/she tells you.

Keep the V.W. The water pump is not about to fail again. Hell, I put 750,000miles on my V.W.(same water pump) and a dozen timing belts. You DO NOT NEED to remove the water pump to replace the timing belt.(that is a con) The water pump only needs changing when it leaks… Which is no more often than a Ford or Chev or Dodge. German car does not mean it is "ridiculously high cost" to fix. Own a HONDA or a TOYOTA or a NISSAN. "They are all costly parts-wise." Scarey costly… For PLASTIC. I have more faith in metal parts.
However, some parts require lubrication… Water pumps require you use green coolant at 50/50 because antifreeze has lubricant in it. Plain water does not. Then the waterpump will last you near 30 years. I always get most of my parts from auto salvage(but your waterpump did not cost $1100 - that is including the labor and probably a timing belt). Possibly even a thermostat.

The BS only goes so far.