I've got one and have had it since march 1998 when it had 32,000 miles on it. Now with 117,000 it doesn't seem to have deteriorated much at all. The Driver is a 1.8 SPI single OHC 90 BHP with a computer for timing adjustment etc, but still has a distributer and rotor arm. They are simple enough and for that reason there is little to go wrong which is its strong point. It can be a little slow from start off, but on a motorway it will eat up the miles with little effort. Just don't except hi performance. Its not slow, its just adequate.
There isn't much to look out for on these that is specific to the car, refer to the section at the top for what to look out for on a MK3 should cover it. Specifically, all that has gone wrong with mine is a set of rear shocks, a new starter motor and rear wheel bearings. You may find the engine mounts are bit worn. 2 are easy to change, the engine rear side it a nightmare. Underseal may be showing signs of age, check local to body / engine sub frame and at the very least pull the under seal off if it has bubbled, it'll be full of water.
You'll have to put up with manual windows, but sunroof is electric. Alloy wheels may be pitted and need constant blowing up, get them recond if so. The interior I believe is the same as in a GTI MK3, well the seats are but no rear head rests. It'll have smoked lights, boot spoiler, red stripe on front and rear bumper (not colour coded bumpers). White indicators at the front. I think there is also a 1.6 Driver available, but having had a MK2 1.6, I know they must be slow as all hell. Central locking will also close the electric window if you keep the key turned.
Just had a front pipe put on mine, cat was inspected visually and was said to be fine.
Jamie
