Hi Harvey, i have had my ed30 since new (march 2007) and i still look forward to taking it for a drive. I only use the car at weekends, but always look for any excuse. No regrets in my purchase, and tbh, i am struggling to think of any other car i would change up to. A Rocco R is tempting though. Great acceleration, especially top end leptons. If driven normally, mpg is mid 30's. Feels really stable at any speed and handles fine for me. It is a bit more exclusive than a gti, but it looks a bit better imo, as the skirts & bumpers are get colour coded. I find it is a bit more stealthy as well, as it can look like other golfs with coded bits.
To date, the only issue i have had was a faulty air con compressor, which was replaced under warranty. Sticking door lock was solved with some oil spray.
great car, go for it.