I have had both 8v and a 16v gti, both are good but if I was you I would start off with the 8v which is a hell of alot cheaper to fuel, and the insurance is more reasonable. The 8v I had rally cam, dtm zorst, k&n and would still pull in around 35 mpg whereas my 16v is doing around 20 mpg but it does put out 167bhp and is sh!t loads of fun.

But when you do get one leave it as a sleeper.