Hey oldschool --- I am probly the resident 5th gen VFR addict. I have ridden the 6th gens, but to me the VTEC sucks.
Anyhoo - Its just me,but I look for the lowest mile, cleanest bike I can find. Then on the 5th gens, there were 2 versions, MK1 ('98s and'99s) and MK2 (00s and 01s).
The MK1 have slightly larger headers and no cat, and a manual fast idle lever, and a tic more ponies over the MK2s. Also the Fi in the MK1s are an open loop system were the MK2s were a closed loop system. The weak link in any is the charging system sucks, but that can be fixed for a long life if you know what to do. Throwing it out there, the most coveted is a clean '99.
The engines are essentially bullet proof, there are plenty of 100k mile examples. Maintenance is straight forward stuff, valve adjustments are generally check once over 32k miles and then forget it. Other stuff - Most guys upgrade the suspension, the stock is kinda soft and steers like a truck. After an upgrade, its a respectable corner carver. Then some guys like the linked brakes and some curse them, there are ways around that. (I installed RC51 brakes.) Really as a group, the thing is a blank canvas and the farkles will flow. Look at my albums for ideas. I would be happy to go check one out if you want to look at one. PM anytime.