got a 172 cup when I was 20, cheapest I found was elephant.co.uk at £1600, turned 21 and it went down to £650 (with privilege) - 4 years NCB though.
Id have the 172 over golf though. I do a lot of motorway miles, but I was more interested in a fun car to drive than an economical one. It all depends what you are looking for personally!