They will all have rust to some degree! Unless you buy a totally restored one, but that will cost you £5K+

4x4 are ok and the transfer box will last as long as it has been regularly treated to fresh oil, most dont get a second look! So check that it still works and does not make any strange noises! Other then that they are fine with moderate power increases too.

You after a mk5 or mk6? mk5 are getting on to be 18 years old, so low mileage ones are rare and obviously more costly to buy.

Main thing to check is rust and electrics, more info on the rs2000-16v.com web site