to answer the op`s question,
i own a mk5 ed30 and if i had the choice between a really nice mk1-2 or the ed30 it would be the ed30 all day long,
i have owned mk1`s, mk2`s, mk4 and the ed30 is the best i`ve owned
i don`t own it just because i can simply afford it, for me it`s one of the most complete hatchbacks you can own, does everything it say`s it does and it`s what i wanted
have i put myself into debt, i didn`t pay cash for it , but i didn`t pay cash for my house, so yes but a managable debt
would i not pay a monthly outgoing for my ed30 and "own" a mk1-2
no, reliability and driveability is the main reason i own a newer car, my missus and son use the car most days so she likes something reliable to drive and something that is safe or safer than say a mk1-2
that is my own situation and everyones situation is different, but i would think a majority of mk5-6 owners wouldn`t swap a monthly outgoing for a mk1-2 imho