My Clutch went at 110000 km. Starter needed to be replaced at 115000 km. It also took the battery with it when the starter went, but battery's don't last forever anyways. The door molding started to come off (this appears to be a big problem so I've read),but I put it back on with some 3M double sided tape. Both the high and low tone horns went at the same time and I replaced them. The valve cover gasket leaks on my car and almost all golf/jetta's since the 80's. The front wiper motor went soon after I bought the car, but was replaced free under the used car warranty that came with my car. The passenger seat collapsed on the one side and I had to get another one from the wreckers.
Never take your Volkswagen to the dealership if you can avoid it. I was told about a local garage that works with German and other foreign cars. They are just as good as the dealership mechanics and the price is about 30% less on labor.
I am a real fan of the exterior as it comes stock, but if you want to get performance aftermarket parts to add a little extra flair they are a lot more expensive then for Honda's.
The interior is very attractive and feels and looks like it should be in a more expensive luxury car.
The ride is good, but can tend to be a little bouncy.
Some parts can be expensive, while others can be a lot lower especially with aftermarket parts. So overall I wouldn't agree with people who say the parts are too expensive on Volkswagens.
The car has good pick up for a four cylinder 1.8 L.
Whether to use a dealer must depend on which dealer. Since I have done all my maintenance on our 1997 Golf (193,000 miles) at our local dealer, I have had no problems with the car, (except for the infuriating check engine light that always turns off as I pull into the service bay!) They are honest - don't do unneeded repairs - and always advise me when maintenance is needed before it becomes an issue. It may be more expensive however.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed 
is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site