Hello.Been lurking for over a year now and decided it might be time to start participating. This is our 98 T5 wagon which we got last August 
We got it to replace the 2000 GLT that got broadsided by a stolen car that summer
I let the GLT go because it also had previously been dimpled quite badly by hail stones.
The T5 was in an accident some time ago and the left front fender and doors had been replaced and badly painted. Recently it was in a collision that affected the same two doors
Coincidently, I have a pair of doors that came from the pick n pull that were intended for the GLT except the frame was too far gone. They are silver. Part of me really loves this car. Something about it makes me feel more attached to it than I was to the GLT. So that part says to fix it and get good paint done. The other part goes "ew" about some of the poor work by prior mechanics (not that I"m all that good) and wonders if this wasn't a flood car from Katrina. Here's the T5 issues list:
blows fuse for interior lights
hum or whir from front could be tires, CVJ or wheel bearing
both sides CVJ boots open
oil leak
no sound from left side speakers
probably due for belts soon
brake chatters at pedal
tailgate open light stays on
windshield scratched by wipers
What I've done so far:
new Bilstein struts and shocks
rebuilt ABS module
new tailgate supports
used tailgate latch
new air and cabin filters
adjusted hood
used tail light lens
I have really been enjoying reading this forum and hope to give as well as get some good advice here.
Mike