I have just come from a 06 Saab 9-3 cabriolet and can say the Golf is well screwed together compared to that, was really disappointed in the Saab..
Had a mk4 Bora and the quality of that was great, after 96K miles it still felt well put together not one rattle (company car as well), had a mk3 for a while and I think the mk5 is easily as good as either.
Only car I have had that felt as good if slightly better was a 2000 325i Sport BMW, details were well engineered, mk5 has a few dubious bits around wings, rear wiper washer etc, dont think its cheapening just more weight saving.
I would definately have another and would consider a ED30 or R32.