It definitely takes some careful scrutiny to find a good one, but I’ve had my 07 Grand Prix for about 3 years now (in the rust belt even) and in total it has still cost me less than $7k including initial purchase and all repairs. Even if it dies right now I’d say I got my money’s worth, considering no car payment since I bought it outright. Although I would consider myself pretty handy and I do most repairs and maintenance myself which saves a ton of money. Maintenance and reliability aside, in my opinion the actual driving experience is as good as if not better than some brand new cars, as long as you do the aforementioned radio mod to get AA/car play. Just an option, and obviously it’s a bit of a risk, but it could get you through a year or two to allow you to save up enough for a newer car.
I love my Grand Prix, it has a heads-up display like a frickin fighter jet or something. Very few cars have that even today.
Rochester checking in - not Buffalo but sometimes we get similar amounts of snow. I love it. Snowmobiling is a thing everyone should do at least once in their lifetime, there is truly nothing else like it. I’m not talking the mountain riding through 10ft of powder like you see on IG or FB, even just normal trial riding on a couple feet of snow is incredible. You learn how to drive a car on it pretty quick, it’s not that bad and the cities that typically get snow like this one are prepared for the amount of snow they get except in the most extreme circumstances. Ice fishing, skiing/snowboarding - snow just opens up a whole new set of fun wintertime activities