I just got my wife a new winter beater, a '96 VW golf 1.8 gas.
I had 3 golfs (2 given to me free), took all the best parts (new springs and struts) off and made one, plus I had to put new front rotors, wipers, replace/paint the rear hatch and get an alignment.
I think I have $600 into it, not counting my labour of course.
Seeing as she puts on 50K km/year I'm so happy she loves Golfs in the winter.
She will be driving a bug during the summer.
The "good" car is now mine.