Had a 54 plate 3 door manual from Aug 06 to Jan 08. Bought with 8500 miles sold at 39000 miles.
Had a front hub replaced under warranty otherwise nothing went wrong. Servicing reasonable – used Awesome GTI Store, highly recommended.
Averaged 31 mpg (calculated from fill ups not trip computer) over my 30000 miles.
Had 18s on, maybe a bit harsher than 17s but look so much better. Ran a MK1 GTI on coilovers for 10 years so don’t mind a hard ride (ooer missus). One of the car mags lapped various tracks “much” quicker on 17s if thats your thing.
Very capable car. Nice and civilised if you are being sensible, quick enough if you want to be a hooligan.
Seats very very comfy, 6 hour journey without a hint of backache. Not noisy either in my opinion.
Unlike iainc I had no issues with stone chips. Mine was metallic black if that makes a difference. VW paint is usually notoriously hard according to detailing geeks on their forums.
Got rid because I needed something bigger. Don’t need as big car now so would I get another. Yes.