VW Golf 2000 reliability

VW’s reputation was hit for six in the wake of the problems with its DSG gearbox, but that affected later models than the one you were wanting to know about. The earlier models were generally sound and reliable and I would have more confidence in them than I would in some of the later ones. When looking to service the Golf I would recommend you find an independent specialist with experience in VWs and use them instead of a dealer. That way it won’t be expensive to maintain.