I have an '85 Scirocco with about 250,000 miles on it. That's with dino oil and 5K (about) oil changes. I just had the second timing belt replacement done and that's the most apart the engine has been--original clutch, even. The Recaro seats are as firm as new and, except for some yellowing from the sun, look like new. I think its on its third set of CV joints, left and right. It's starting to smoke a little on cold mornings, but the spark plugs I just replaced had a nice, healthy light grey color so the engines got plenty left. It still drives great.
The paint didn't make it, though -- it's kind of freckled, rusting from underneath.
My wifes 240D volvo wagon, on the other hand, has nice paint and a sound engine but has cost about 5 times more to keep going over the same period of time. It has a history of problems that don't get fixed until the third try and cost lots of money.
Volkswagons last a long time, that's why I bought another one. My impression of the engineering/design is a combination of sophistication and simplicity. I'm glad they've improved the paint because I think, with synthetic oil, this TDI engine will go 500k, easily.
[This message has been edited by Torqster (edited September 02, 1999).]