Rick, just because your 3rd gen GTI VR6 doesn't have problems doesn't mean new ones don't. My friend has a 1996 Ginster yellow VR6 GTI and it's been problem free as well with 130K on it.

Most newer VW's break often. I've had many friends tell me their experiences with the new ones and they're piles of shit. Friend had to have her 2000 Jetta TDI completely rewired (under warranty) because it was junk. Took them six weeks.

I've had another friend with a 2002 GTI 1.8T who's on his 3rd transmission in a year and a half.

Another friend with a 2004 GLI Jetta 1.8T who has broken two motor mounts in 8000 miles.

I can keep going. One experience doesn't reflect everybody elses.

And for the record, the new Golf looks like shit.