I had a 1.6 MK3 as a first at 18 and had it lowered.
Was pretty fun, although I'm sure some sort of 1.4 106 would have been far more fun, I liked the solidity of the Golf.
Plus the 1.6 lump made it much faster then all my mates cars, all but one with a Mk4 2l GTI but even then I was off at the lights quicker.
Then you look back and laugh at yourself comparing who has the quickest tortoise.

Was fun though and even though it's a heavy car, lift off oversteer was always an option.

EXPENSIVE first cars to run though. A 1.3 auto Micra = £1500 saving a year.