Think the rep comes from times long gone , they used to be built very well with quality parts
Nowadays though its all about cost cutting as competition is fierce i guess ? We had a mk5 golf in a couple of weeks ago quite low mileage, and the paint was literally falling off the sill,s , i think they are still quite reliable though, most of the owners i talk to are quite fond of theyre dub especially if its a deisel .