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Since I got my 2001 Golf (1.8T) two years ago I’ve encountered these issues (and a few more), all of which appear to be very common. Some parts of the car are rock solid, others are destined for failure.
MAF Screwing with Idle: This is common to many vehicles. The MAF and throttle body get dirty and give innacurate readings causing an eratic idle and reduced performance. Solve by cleaning with MAF cleaner and allowing to dry.
Leaky Washer Everything: The washer fluid system is very leaky. the problem is the connectors inbetween what VW calls “convoluted plastic tubing” (me and the parts woman thought that was pretty funny). At best this causes the system to leak fluid, at worst it becomes disconnected and can cause major rust. See the hatch I had to replace for evidence of that. Mid-generation VW changed to a better female connector which is compatible with the old male ones. Unfortunately they are very expensive for a tiny piece of plastic (for a vehicle they still make!), but vaccum hose and cable ties work fine. Check the area around the pump (in the washer bottle) and if you have a Golf both the driver’s side C pillar and in the hatch itself.
Broken Rear Fluid Nozzle: The washer nozzle tends to come loose (or is that get siezed?) and start moving with the wiper. There is a rebuild kit, but it’s usually cheaper and easier to just buy a used one. I got mine for 15 bucks, though it has started acting weird as well.
Rear Wiring: Partially because of the aforementioned leaks and partially because of repeated stress, the wiring to the hatch in a Golf often frays and becomes disconnected. If you have any electrical problems, check the wiring. Most of it is in the driver C-pillar, but the brake light (and possibly the defroster) is wired through the passenger side.
Coolant Leak: This applies to the 1.8 and 2.slow. I’m not sure about the VR6 and TDI. If you have a coolant leak, look on top of your transmission for signs of water. Just above that is a part which houses the temperature sensor, known to VW as the “temperature sensor flange” or something similar. This is made of plastic and really shouldn’t be. Sometimes you will just need a new o-ring, but you probably need to replace the whole thing. REMEMBER TO REPLACE THE COOLANT WITH A G12/WATER MIXTURE. VW’s do not like non-oe fluids.
Rusty Rocker Panels: The OEM mudflaps act as water traps and lead to premature rust around the fender and rocker panels. Realistically it’s probably too late unless you have a very new Golf City, but if you don’t yet have rust there discard the flaps. This will also improve your fuel economy slightly 🙂
That’s all I can think of for now. I know that there were many recall issues such as windows falling in but you shouldn’t encounter those provided the original owner got them dealt with.
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Its not G20 coolant, OEM is G12. You can also use G12++, it mixes fine with G12 too.
Its not that VWs don’t like the green stuff, its that the green stuff and the pink stuff don’t mix well at all. You end up with a serious coating of brown pudding in your coolant. NO matter how well you flush it. Thankfully the price of Pentosin coolants has come down in price.
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