How about a Mazda 6? The petrol engines are chain cam and bulletproof (don't touch the 2.0 diesel - chocolate crankshaft).
Big, comfy useful cars with all the toys and very reliable.
TBH if I had a budget of 1-1.5k it'd be a petrol Mondeo or a petrol Focus.
It wouldn't be a Golf. The interior/trims give the impression that its a far more quality product but it aint. Its the same. Plus you might avoid the price premium (still) of a VW.
Saying all this....
Is a Passat out?
Why not a petrol Toyota?
Good point on Jap cars - a friend had to get rid of his dad's car about 2 years ago - early 2000's Honda Accord - it was full spec. but green with beige velour interior, always garaged, very low miles, full service history, immaculate. Sold for less than a grand.
Golf for fun? Surely, the Mondeo's more of a fun car! A 1.6 petrol Golf Mk3 will be about as much fun as diptheria (IMHO, of course). Mondeos are brilliant to drive, as are Focuses (Foci?).
54 plate 307 estate any good for you ? 100k 10 month mot £800
