We had a Polo GTI (slammage, ATS Cups, full leather etc) and it was awesome to drive. Absolutely awesome. On a par with the MX5s I’ve had. BUT, that gearbox is an issue. I’d budget in for a new one even if it didn’t need one now. Ours leaked, the local VW dealer made it worse and in the end a local gearbox place sorted it out but it was a mission.

I’d have a mk4 estate. Some of them look nice with a bit of work…