Here we go...

VW Mk series
MkI- '75-'84
MkII- '85-'92
MkIII- '93-99
MkIV- '98-Present
MkV- in production

I'm in the same boat, mine looks like poop but its fun to drive. I need to give it some love once the weather nicens up, but i cant justify spending M5 money on a Golf....