Late mk3's were galvonised, check for corrosion on arches and boot lid.
Check rear wiper/washer
glovebox catch (they break often)

They are chain driven and will want replacing around 100k, costs about £4-500 with parts included, listen for a tapping sound coming from timing side of engine on tickover. i think it's the left side as you look in from memory.

you do have to work them hard but they are not bad once going, and the noise is immence. I've owned one myself and just the other day a friend of mine bought one in a rallye golf shell.

These can be had nice and cheap now so don't go mad and buy the first one you find.

More info can be found on www.edition38.com/forums

Regards,
Matt.