If you haven't checked out that link and if you're lazy, I'll give you some info. Mk3 turbo/na motors are bulletproof pretty much except for what you mentioned. Mine HG took a shit @170k miles. Keep your eye on the temp gauge. Also if its high mileage, check out the turbo's. The blocks are fairly priced, so its not a bad idea to start building a spare motor. Also, Mk3's are lil pigs, but after a few BPU's, you'll have some nice numbers. Oh yea, the 7M gets pretty thirsty too. Even though i had the 7M-GE, I found myself at the pump frequently.