its a pretty good lump,only really heard of the alternator problem on them,think it needs fully synthetic oil at a service which can hurt the pocket a little but thats not a major issue
I have a 2001 1.7tdi . The turbo lag on pulling out of a junction is bordering on dangerous. You pull out then theres nothing for a second while you watch the oncoming vehicle .
ECUs are a common problem on combo's but are easily removed - just a couple of bolts holding it on.
Had my combo 18 months and have had a faulty ECU, alternator and one of the coil springs snapped.