Things to look for....1999 Golf GL

[audi-tone]

check when the waterpump/tensioner and timing belt were changed. just had to do the waterpump on mine (bought it 5days prior to it letting go) and also check the bushings espcially the rear control arm bushings and the top strut mount bushes and bearings; they'll be noisey if they're split / shot at all (had to replace most front end bushings aswell...) all's good now.
good luck with it
(p.s. this was a gti with 106kms on the clock!)

[gavs]

One of the assurances you should provide yourself is to get all the front end bushes done inc: control arm front and rear bushes, strut mounts and bearings, sway bar "D" bushes and end link bushes and like audi-tone said, look at timing belt and water pump etc.

[anarchycamp]

thanks fellas!

[Golf88]

i started this thread when i was buying mine

was very helpful