Repair costs making Volkswagen Beetle too expensive to keep?

have 2000 volkswagen new beetle. i've had little on 5 years, , love death. unfortunately, volkswagens run extremely high in labor costs. replacing headlight requires trip dealers, or other foreign car place in town, , runs $45-50.

in last year alone i've had:

catalytic converter replaced - $700 (rebated under extended warranty)
brakes , rotors replaced - $500
coolant pump (or whatever called holds coolant) replaced - $600
oil container (i'm not great cars) replaced - $150
2 headlights, 1 tail light, 1 brake light - ~$200
alternator replaced - $300
engine circuit (i think? i'd have check records) replaced - $400

not mention several repairs before time.

car (yesterday) hit 100,000 miles, , i'm looking @ getting timing belt replaced before totals engine. met guy who's step-dad works on cars, , told me job $400-$500 compared $1,000 or more dealership quoted me, that's plus.

problem i'll going graduate school in year, means i'll making 3-4 hour road trips come home, , won't able afford tuition, rent, food, utilities, , $400+ car repairs every couple of months. parents said me out if wanted new car, don't want them have that, , don't know can afford new car in better shape 1 have now.

so, question is, volkswagen owners or car experts out there, think in car new, i'll have fewer problems after replacing timing belt? or should go ahead , trade in added selling point of these things having been taken care of recently? love car lot, , don't want have give up. i've heard volkswagens can run 200,000 miles easily... know depends on model , condition... , there isn't guarantee car won't continue break down , fall apart. guess need opinion knows cars little bit better do.

i have 2000 volkswagen new beetle. i've had little on 5 years, , love death. unfortunately, volkswagens run extremely high in labor costs. replacing headlight requires trip dealers, or other foreign car place in town, , runs $45-50. in last year alone...

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