Brett,
Pretty much what Mike said.
Did the '96 GL have power windows? I don't think the '95s did.
I'll add that if/when the wiring harnesses go bad, you'll have better luck if you repair them with crimp on splices than if you replace it. I repaired one of my rear doors, and replaced the other side a couple months later. The repaired side is doing fine, but the other side needs some TLC again.
I've found the rear doors to be MUCH more problematic than the fronts. I think I've had about 6 regulators in the rear so far, but only two up front.
I think by your model VW fixed the IP lamps melting their sockets due to being on all the time with DRLs. I haven't had that problem, but I run my dimmer pretty low.
Don't know if the layout is the same for '96, but if the +ve post of the battery gets corrosion on it, it'll run down the side of the battery and eat into the wiring harness that runs beneath it (brilliant!)
The vent fan switch tends to crud up and overheat. Look at the knob for a melted spot.
Door rubbers, the things that are supposed to keep other cars from hitting the door - uh huh, tend to loosen and will fall off if not tended too. They're taped on. Supposedly VW had problems with the old clip on system causing rust problems. Just watch it, and if they loosen,
The main problem tho', has been the cheesy window regulators and door harnesses.
Mark '95 Jetta GLS