You've got a good year too, past 03 they have a whole new batch of issues.
As far as good chips go, I'd say rocketchips are cheap/affordable/ and reliable. Stage 1 Rocketchip / EGR Bypass/ Delete/ & Catless Downpipe = perfect.
You won't miss the power too much if you get it chipped.
Downpipe & chip is not really going to take away any life. Once people start throw in injectors and stage2 /3+ programs you have problems, and then you start eating axles too...
Plus you'll pick up even more economy.
+1, Been looking around for them actually.
1. Change timing belt, even if they told you they already did it.
2. Clean EGR and either VAG off the EGR, or get a race pipe.
3. CHIP
Then stop.
Then sell it to me once you have done all of the above.
Salt Fork Restort.
http://www.saltforkstateparklodge.com/
We primary visit in the fall/winter when it's uber quit, but a very nice little place not too far.