opinion:
 

I just totaled a '98 Jetta GL and am hard-pressed to find a new car :(

I came across a '92 Jetta for just $500.

The good news:
-automatic transmission in good shape
-brakes good
-engine checks out
-just 150,000 miles

The bad news:
-tiny bit of body damage on one door (easily fixed)
-springs in rear need to be replaced
-door handles are bad (some only open from the inside, one doesn't open at all, luckily the driver side opens from both sides)

Is it worth it to get an affordable car that runs well that I can fix up, or should I save up for a newer model?

Opinions appreciated, thanks.