I have owned the following VWs: MkI,MkII,VW transporter(air cooled).Now i have a Mk4 golf.The air cooled transporter(like the ones MOI liked in the late eighties) was a headache.Air cooled engines dont work well in these climes.The water cooled ones are good.
MkI golf was very basic,had it for a very short while.The MKII stayed for more than 3 years.The MkII feels heavier than it looks i.e.it feels more stable than the 100 toyota corrolla when you drive it.Parts were always and are still very available.
The problem is servicing.Take it to the wrong mechanic and you have lots of headaches.
MkIV golf 1.6 has lots of creature comforts, double airbags,side airbags,trip computer.Most of the stuff in the Audis are found here.The electricals can be an issue.Over the past 5 years lots of mechs have aquired electronic diagnostic tools that can be used to find any problems.Parts used to be an issue(only @CMC) but now there are a couple of people who stock them.
Avoid the 1.8T engine-lots of problems.This engine is the same one that disturbs passats.
Manuals are better than Autos.Autos need a lot of care and tend to develop problems when they get older.
Fuel consumption- Not as good as the jap cars.i think the 1.6 engine has a heavy body to pull.2.0. may be a good compromise.If money was no object the 3.2 Golf-R32 would be my choice.
Resale Value: price drops by more than 40% after 1 year's use regardless of condition.
P.S. MK V imports have already begun, so Mk IV may soon be old news.
Much safer than the Allions/Premios in an Accident