Okay, I'll play the other side here.

If you're not afraid to get grease under your fingernails, turn some wrenches, and lay out a little bit of money here and there for parts and tools, then don't be afraid of this car.

As everyone else has been stated, there are definitely some things to deal with if it's been sitting for a while, but many of them are things that I (personally) would do for any newly purchased used car. Change the brake/clutch fluid, oil, coolant, power steering fluid; new hoses & belts; valve adjustment; maybe new tires; maybe new battery. Most of these things can be accomplished by a novice home mechanic with a simple tool set, a Chilton's or Haynes manual, and a decent amount of ambition & free time. These cars are generally very easy to work on, especially since the diesel doesn't require spark plugs & distributor.

If the engine was recently rebuilt, then it has the potential to have a lot of life left in it. However, costs will add up in a hurry if other people work on it, epsecially doing the simple (but time-consuming) basic maintenance. So, if you're looking for something inexpensive, be prepared to get your hands dirty, because (like the rest of us) you'll be DIY - doing it yourself.

Keep us posted!

- Nathan
'83 240D, 255k miles
'00 New Beetle TDI, 27k miles