I will add a positive experience. I bought a 2002 Golf GLS TDI in November '01, brand new, 16 miles on it. I kept it for 2 years and 30K miles. I had essentially ZERO problems with it. I had one front wheel bearing replaced under warranty, it was making a very faint rubbing noise. Simply had it done at the 20K service.The car was brilliant, returned an average of 47mpg over the 30K, even with my lead footed driving style. Smooth, quiet, and comfortable. Only reason I sold it was that I stopped driving all the time (and getting reimbursed) for work. Once the company was no longer paying for the car, I couldn't justify having that much money tied up in one car. I sold it for $15500, having paid $20K even. Not bad. I am still occasionally in touch with the guy who bought it, it has continued to be a great car, nothing more than normal maintenance/wear items.
To put this in perspective, one of my friends bought a V6 Honda Accord the same month I bought my Golf. He has had all kinds of issues with it, including a lunched automatic transmission at 60K miles. You roll the dice and take your chances.
Kevin Rhodes Westbrook, ME '00 Saab 9-5 SE V6t Wagon '92 Saab 900T Convertible '91 BMW 318is '74 Triumph Spitfire Sundry Vdubs in my past...