All they are, are low compression 1.4 when the turbo isnt spinning, so no stress on the engine in theory so commuting was never a problem for me in my mk2
Only time mine failed me:
After a 14hr nite-shift (Master clutch failure, know fault due to age)
Clutch linings got extreamly hot due to some bad-ass GTI bashing!!
Ao i had no gear selection for 10 mins! lol
That it in 1 year of running mate
No problem at all
As long as you treat them right then they run and run and run.........
But if you cant afford it then i know exactly what you mean
But be warned, fully restored wil be pricey in a few years i think!