Replaced anti-lock braking system processor at 62,000 miles (£380 - ouch!). Otherwise nothing.
Economical to run (35 - 40 mpg, servicing fairly cheap at Volkswagen main dealers).
Reasonable performance - feels nippy in town, but can get noisy on motorways.
For a cabriolet it feels very solid. There are a few squeaks and rattles, but that's only to be expected of this type of bodywork. The hood is very water-tight and insulates exterior noise well.
The interior trim is sturdy and shows few signs of wear.
Ride and handling are more on the side of 'comfort' than sport, but suit the car well.
There are no signs of rust yet, but the paintwork (metallic pearl effect) appears to chip easily.
A great drive with the top down. A cruiser not a road burner.
An update - I still have this car, just sailed through its MOT at 88,000 miles without even an advisory. It had a new water pump a few years back and a new coil pack last year (when I also replaced the plug leads as a precaution as they can cause coil failure if they're old). Otherwise all I do is put petrol in it and occasionally replace a tyre. Roof doesn't leak, interior wearing well and no bodywork good apart from a few stone chips. I think it might outlast me.
I have got a '98 SE Cabrio, with 88K on the clock, and it too, sailed through its MOT this year. Only problems in the past 6 years in which I have owned it are, the coil failed last year (£46 for replacement part from GSF), and the door locks have given up. Both these appear to be common Golf problems.
Hood works fine, no leaks or anything. I has never set the road alight with its performance, but it is a well screwed together little car.
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