 I bought this car new in 1999, coming up on 9th anniversary.  It has been the best car I've ever owned by far. Aside from routine maintenance, I've replaced the water pump and the timing belt.  That's it.  Gets 26 mpg city, 36+ mpg highway, with standard transmission and regular gas (although VW recommends premium).  It is now well north of 150K miles and still runs beautifully.  No rust. No complaints. And lots of zip too!  Has a few features (like the sunroof) that now cost a lot more.