Sorry to hear that you, and a few others in here, have had so many problems, BUT, I have had my 2003 GTI 1.8T for coming on 3 years (Dec 2002), 56000Km (35,000Mi), and I have had absolutely NO problems with windows, a/c, wipers, lights, engine, MAF, coils, sunroof, Monsoon Sound, etc. etc.
(I lie slightly - avoiding speeding tickets is a problem. "It just wants to go fast officer").
I get a few squeaks when the -0C weather gets here, mostly vinyl-on-vinyl rubbing. When the car gets warmer inside, noise disappears.
I had a line to the rear washer pull apart. Lot of work for the dealer to fix, but under warranty.
I had the driver-side window tightened (under warranty) because of a bit of rattling.
There are 3 dealers in my city, and the last 2 over an 8 year period have given me great-to-excellant service. The 3rd, back in the late 80s, early 90s, was not so good, and I have never gone back.
I'm on my 3rd VW, and each one gets better and more reliable. My GTI can sit for days at -30C (-22F) and start 1st crank, no plugin heater.
I'm retired - I'm NOT spending a lot of money maintaining my VW. Regular service only, minimum 4 times a year, which may seem a lot to some, but ours is a crappy climate, along with crappy roads. Oil gets changed based on miles or months, regardless of any other maintenace schedule. My choice.
Mileage is not as good as I like, but Hey! - It's a Turbo, and I could drive slower.
I'm not happy with the Michelin rubber as delivered, and will replace with something else once they are worn enough. But I have never been happy with the factory tires, no matter what.
My 17" "Santa Monica" rims have faded at the bolt-holes. VW seems to have dropped these rims about 6 months after my getting the car, I guess for a reason. Every other set of Santa Monicas I have seen on GTIs has the same problem. This is a cosmetic issue only. Other VW rims all look fine when I checkout other cars.
I'm having to fight the urge to get the MkV GTI as soon as it gets to Canada (hopefully we WILL get the 5-door version). I have got used to the looks, somewhat, of the new Jetta. It needs less chrome, but overall a good looking car. If I wanted a sedan, not a hatch, I'd get a GLI version in and instant. The ergonomics of the new cars are way better than previous models, and based on reviews VW is getting back to basics (somewhat) regarding proper handling and performance.
Glen McLean - Ottawa
'87 Jetta GLI, '97 Golf CL, '03 GTI 1.8T
(Remove the ".NIT.invalid" from the end of my address)