What generation of Golf are you looking at getting? I've owned two Volkswagens in the past five years, one being a Fox and the other a Jetta (the sedan version of the Golf), however they were in fact older models.
I'm going to assume that you're an American, but I think the same rules apply in most cases:
- Be on the look out for models that look nice but have a long history of being troublesome. Volkswages look and drive great for a long time, and then come apart all at once... Or at least what has happened with me, it nickel and dimes you at that rate where it doesn't make you angry, its just inconvenient.
- Try your best to avoid problematic year ranges, but if you're buying in on one, give it a good look over to see whats right/wrong. The post-1996 MKIII cars were of less quality than their earlier predecessors, and with the switch to the MKIV platform in late 1999, I tend to find that 2002+ models are often the better choice when it comes to overall reliability.
- Chances are because that its your first car you will be getting one with the 2.0L 8V and the 4-speed automatic. The 2.0L is generally a pretty reliable engine (I have one in my Jetta), but they do like to overreact when the weather is overly wet or cold (read, doesn't want to start). That is mostly due to faulty distributor caps/coil packs (depends on the generation) and bad plug wires. The transmissions themselves seem to be fairly reliable as well, I know of very few issues with them in general, but be forewarned that they sap an infinite amount of BHP from the powerband.
- Quality issues like I said before can be hit and miss and as always depend on where the car was built, when it was built, and who was building it. My Jetta (1996) held up pretty well given that it was an early version of the mild changes that the car went through that year. We've had other VWs in the family that were absolutely wonderful, but then you deal with some small rattles, broken switches/buttons, and I seem to recall the electric window motor going out on Grandma's New Beetle (same car) not long after she bought it.
The main thing to remember with VW is that they truly are good cars, but you have to expect some level of problems, and furthermore, be able to afford it.
Do some research, look over the cars extensively, and you'll likely be happy. You have to understand what you're getting into, because if you want high quality and reliability, you're going to want to go elsewhere. But in that sense, I always go back to VW for their stellar driving dynamics, generally positive attitude, and the truly plush interior and fancy exterior that really separates them from the Toyotas and Hondas of the world.
I don't know if I'll replace my Jetta with another VW (Subaru seems to be playing a better game), but its still my second favorite company, and I'd be happy to help you with any questions you have.
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Oh, and one more thing...
Insurance rates on average are going to be higher with a Volkswagen than most other cars. Full coverage on my Jetta with a $250 deductible and towing coverage runs me a little less than $120 a month. Playing with the numbers a bit, I could go a bit lower, but I'd say that for just about any VW, you're looking at the $110-150 range on a monthly basis.
