My issue with VW has always been price tag associated with parts. Replacement (OEM) stuff is insane.. my buddy's MKIV Jetta cost an arm and a leg when we rebuilt his tranny. He sold it immediately after because he was so disgusted with it.Just like a Honda you can get a roaches out pile or a good car that isn't much to maintain. All depends on how it was taken care of or lack there of. My Mk4 needs nothing but the crack pipe replaced and even then it is because I know they are known to fail so I have everything just in case. Timing chains don't commonly fail on these so there is no worry there.
If I had to do it all over again I would pick my VW over my old civic any day of the week.