I was never into cars growing up, but the only car I ever wanted was a Golf.
A guy in my street had a detached house with a quadruple garage and yard - was always filled with VeeDubs, so I'd wake up on weekends as a kid to the roar of a Beetle, campervan or Golf engine. The street would be lined with VW's...always. Tragically and ironically he died in his campervan in the 90s after leaving his portable gas heater on.
I believe the Golf is a tool that should be used - I love mine but it has car park dents, stonechips to the paint and scrapes on the interior.
I also agree with what others have stated recently, that you strike up some sort of bond with a Golf - maybe because of its history? I have never treated mine as an investment but something that I'm going to make full use and convenience out of.
What's the saying - a Golf is a car driven by both the professor and the student?