David,
If you want a real wait, try 6 months and 16 days; I did. Started out as a 2000 Golf, GLS, TDI as a deposit on 3-13-00 that would take about "8 to 10 weeks"; 2 months later it became a 2001 when I was told there was a 90% probability my order wouldn't be filled as a 2000; I changed the "order" to a 2001 as I wanted to be first in line; THEN dealer told me a few weeks later that the one I had originally ordered came in, but that they sold it as i had changed my order to a 2001; I'm still fuming about that one.
Based on my enperience, there IS NOT AN ORDER SYSTEM; all you get is SOMETIMES a salesman checking on the "available list" as to what's been built and is in the transportation process, and meets your criteria; if they're looking often it will speed up the process; even if they are, if you want one that is without options, or with a unique combination of optins, it will take a long time. Factory does not akte orders, but merely builds what is selling well.
They may attach a "hot" order to it once they find it, but it really doens't speed things along.
I was talking with another salesman while waiting for mine to be prepped (on 9-29-00), and he admitted that people can't get exactly what they want; ex. leather without moonroof and special wheels. A few minutes later, some poor soul walks in and asks if they can order a car; the salesman replies, "Yes, it takes about 9 to 10 weeks".
When VW called about how well the sales experience was, I refused to grade them; but gave good points to the service and prep guys who seemed knowledgable.
All I can say about the order is: GOOD LUCK!
That being said, the car is fantastic. For the first 1852 miles I have averaged 45.1 m.p.g. (Texaco Preimum and Power Serice at about 4 oz. per fillup) and that's with pushing it some recently to 80 and 85 m.p.h. to stretch the engine while it's breaking in. Torque is fantastic; when you hit the throttle it's like it's downshifted, but it's still in high gear. Oil has barely moved on the dip stick, and is still only lightly tinted; much like tinted windows.
I'ld suggest that you "shop" around, and just look out for yourself. If someone else has the car you want, cut a deal with them and then cancel your "Order". It might get your car earlier.
Cheers!