Been there, done that. Had a mk2 Jetta 16v gli. Lovely car, lots of fun to drive. Best day was the day I sold it. Too old, too finicky and not worth the hassle. Mine was a very clean example, but its age was starting to show. When I sold it needed:
headliner cruise control a/c (already changed the pita heater core) wheel bearings struts door handles motor mounts coolant hoses
When I added it all up it wasn't worth keeping. I sold it and bought a high miles Mazda3. I have put 70k (up to 200k now) on the Mazda with nothing but oil changes, 1 motor mount, and a thermostat. The car is worlds better than the mk2 VW.