I have an '07 2.5 automatic tiptronic with 83,000 miles.
bought it new, and i really like it. thinking about trading it in for an '09
because the '10 ... doesn't really catch my eye as much as the '09
It has been very reliable. The only problem i've had with it in 2 1/2 years occured last week when i had to replace a headlamp bulb. cost me $24.
I have the dealer do my oil changes $54.00 w/ the 5th one free. Had a major tune-up at 45,000 miles. That cost $450. pollen filters every 30,000 miles cost $60. whatever.
The only thing i don't like about it is that it comes with conti-contact tires standard, and they do not hold the road if there is any moisture or rain. But they do give you a little extra mpg. The eagle gt's i put on there have been a lot better.
You can squeeze out 30mpg at 80mph, and almost 400 miles from a tank of gas. They took a lot of criticism for not having enough umph, but for my money the thing rockets. The newer ones got bumped up to 170 hp. In my opinion the 2.5 5 cylinder is overkill, and it should be a 2L that gets 35mpg. Especially since last year gas was running me $4.50 a gallon! But no way did I want the 1.8 turbo GTI.
So call this a ringing endorsement. eventhough this thread is 5 months old, and they're going back to the Golf nameplate. They might call it a rabbit, but the car is solid beef. And super safe with all the airbags and new technology.