Ive had mine for 6 years now and it has done 55000 miles and has been absolutely faultless, and in fact I feel it has got better with age. Buy a car with a full service history and I don't think you'll go far wrong.
I do think VW could include things like the cam follower into the service routine, but in the case of things like the DV it's not definite this will deteriorate. I changed mine after 45000 miles and it was in perfect condition when I removed it. Again, the PCV was changed but this is a very cheap DIY job.
The only thing it is expensive on is fuel and tyres, but then that's a good sign you're having fun! Strangely I still haven't had to change the brake discs and pads, which I still find unusual for a 6-year-old car.