Having owned a VW MK4 3dr 1.8 GtI Turbo (petrol) un chipped for 4yrs, although it's getting on - 2000 Dec - 140.000 miles. Driving around town is not what it does best >However to maintain decent fuel eco try not to have a heavy foot as soon as the turbo kicks in the fuel burns having said that it still allows up to 2.2k revs .The turbo will pull like a train this where the fun starts and great over taking. Well balanced in the corners but if you go on the motorway there is bags of performance. However these cars do want regular service and oil change twice a year(mines had 3) also good plugs £15each and a good air filter maybe a piper cross as it breathes better (more air flow)£40 I have also changed the Turbo inlet pipe £90 as this allows the Turbo to spool up smoothly without spiking. These basic mods are cheap and do not place to much strain on the engine. Now remaps are great. However be aware of high miles-The bottom ends go then it's game over and the scrap yard is waiting. What to look for when buying-Front tyres as its front wheel drive so they must be a quality brand. FSH. Bushes .cam belt changed . Earthing points under the battery are in good nick. Clutch change (expensive mine was £800)they have a Dual mass flywheel which gets changed as well.