Who told you a golf can't handle the heat either?

Golf's are a brilliant car. Get DSG.

Servicing is around $400 from VW on my GT Sport TSI. The 60,000km is a clutch (DSG) inspection service so can get VERY scary (read $6000) but is VERY VERY Rare to ever need clutches in the life of the vehicle, unless launch control has been used non stop.

Check warranty history of the vehicle if you can, the Golf V had issues with a vacuum line valve fucking up and needing replacing. It is literally a piece of wire under the engine cover that needs replacing but is a cunt if it fucks up like it has twice on mine.