Newbie :)

[Tim_GTi]

have a look in the GTi section and read the sticky threads, theres alot of info in there.

you basically looking at the gearbox (changed?)
if it went in with the pedal box recall
cambelt change? needs to be done every 40k or 5 years, along with tensioner and waterpump
clutch change (gets pretty sticky after 40k or so)

there the main points, but as i said give the sitcks a read

[97poloCL]

will have a look at them..read a few on all the problems they have aswell (gearboxes, cambelts etc)..little bit worried on that front..not a fan of big invoices! but i guess any car that age will have the same problems!