Yeah, sorry to hear you're losing your job - it sucks. On the bright side, your VW should be in good shape since it's so new. I don't know what pricing is like in the US, but I imagine you could substitute Meguiar's #9 for the Mothers Pre-wax cleaner for a couple dollars more when you buy the Mothers system.
Do you have any pads for the PC?
A lot of the cost of detailing is also taken up by the accessory supplies. Things like applicators, towels, scrub brushes, etc. It's nice to have more of each, but you can often get away with fewer if you don't mind cleaning them often. MF towels can be costly in the quantities that people like, but some fairly inexpensive ones have been discussed. Get a real sheepskin washmit to wash with, and a couple old pails. Drying with the Ultimate Drying Technique costs absolutely nothing (except water), or maybe consider a big bath towel. Cheap foam applicators are okay I've heard. Get some dollar store brushes (even cut down paintbrushes maybe) to scrub the tires and wheels.
If separate wheel and tire cleaners are beyond your budget, you could probably just use an automotive all purpose cleaner (maybe Super Clean?). Waxing your wheels should allow them to be cleaned with car shampoo (if done regularly).
Even though it's not an inexpensive item, since your car is black and summer is coming, I would invest in a California Car Duster (CCD) to keep it dust-free with less effort.
HTH
EDIT: A member named rd_volvo has mentioned making a scratch remover out of mixing corn starch with glaze. It supposedly works with some elbow grease and best of all, costs little. Try a search on this.
EDIT #2
: Armor All Original for interior and tires and trim. It's safe these days. Stay away from the clear super glossy stuff though.
