Thanks to ShereKhan and Paul for your input.
Exactly what I wanted to hear
The R32 is in another league performance wise but I´m more of a handling junkie than performance junkie and get my performance kicks from my bikes. Furthermore a Golf will always be a Golf, no insult intended.
Having had a few Porsches I´m glad to hear that comparison to be in favor of the si.
Pricewise, I would say it´s about 40% if not more off the new price. I have lined up a few cars, all Alpine white or Le Mans blue to look further at and ultimately buy the best, and cheapest one I find when I am in Germany in a couple of weeks time. Through extensive research and talking to dealers in Germany etc. I reckon I should be able to buy a low milage (6-15000 km) car for around 23-27000 euros, if not less and then deduct the 19% German vat and have a lot of car for the money.
My questions about the reliability issue were mainly because I intend to keep the car for some years.
Thanks for your answers and will keep you posted.
G