I've on 07 mk4 and the engine is bang on. Had it 18 months and only issue I've got is a lazy starter more which I think is down to crap off the old dmf. It's now on 88k.

2.0 and 2.2 are te ones to go for. 1.8 I heard is less reliable as it's a ford engine but if Dan@fast ford sees this he is the man in the know.

Know what you mean with the mk3. Mates ST tdci was always in the garage with issues.