Real world opinions on GTI reliability wanted

I want a sporty hatchback with a manual transmission. I have narrowed my choices to the GTI, Mazda 3 and Hyundai Veloster. The GTI is a highly rated car in mags, but none of those guys actually OWN one for any length of time. Since I'm the kind of guy that drives a car to the end, I could care less about resale value. What I want is a fun, practical, sporty car that gets good MPG, but also won't be sitting in my garage causing me to swear a lot while fixing it. Can I get some honest real world reliability opinions from people that actually own a GTI? Thanks in advance.

I'd go for a GTI. The Mazda is a decent car as far as I know, but I've never owned one so I don't have much personal experience to base it on. I don't know much about the Hyundai Veloster. I saw it and knew I could never buy one because of the way the back of the car is styled... I think it's hideous, but that's just my opinion.
I've had a 2003 Golf (not a GTI :() for over 3 years. I think the only thing that would make my car better would be if it were faster, and that's what a GTI is all about. Same reliability and practicality, but more fun (and maybe slightly lower fuel economy but still not bad) If you went for a GTI, I doubt you would regret it.