We bought a red GTI VW in 1985 (car of the year) and just sold it about 2 years ago to a collector friend. :'(
"Ruby" was real good German workmanship
and never had any problems besides the usual wear and tear. Original engine worked beautifully. Gas saver and easy to zip in and out of places. AND she's been all over the west half of the US including a trip to Houston, TX; Seattle, WA; and numerous times on ski trips to Utah, Vail, CO and Lake Tahoe. We have at least 350,000 miles on her (had to change the odometer twice).
My kids learned how to drive manual gear with her and my youngest (DD) took Ruby over during high school and 1st year in University. We definitely got our monies worth from this 2 door hatchback.
Hope you enjoy your Golf as much as we did ours!
Love camillias but not too lucky growing them.