With the amount of money you're making, it's not really worth buying a new car at this point.

BUT if I had to make a recommendation, an MK3(?) 1995-1999 GTI VR6 works well. They're pretty reliable all considering. Avoid newer bodystyle 1.8T's.

I'd continue with your mods, and when your engine is on it's way out, do an H22A4 and manual transmission conversion. It'll be like getting a new car (most H22A4's you get are around 30,000 miles old).

You're in SoCal, it won't be hard to find a shop to do this. Plus, your paint and everything else seems to be in tip-top shape.

Good luck bro.