they have a big cult following, particulary the mk1's. they are great we yoke. the 1.9 sdi engine won't get you in much bother, neither with the speed camera or the mechanics. will be handy run at around 45-50mpg
they do tend to be a bit of a rust bucket though, so give it a good look over. arches, sills and pickup bed. check front suspension for bad wear, as around '99-00 vw were putting in shit bottom arms.
they are the same as the skoda felicia, there is quite a bit of mod parts about from trick suspension to truckman canopies and tonneau covers available for them.
1999 with 100k mile