I've had two, first a 225 and now a quattro Sport so I'm obviously a big fan. I think if you're into the looks then that's much of the appeal. The interior design is still one of my favourites and yes you can get essentially the same mechanicals in a Leon/Golf/whatever but that's not really the point.
They get a bit slated for their driving dynamics and ultimately they aren't as good as a 350Z/RX-8/330ci but they are small and pointy, they grip well and point to point they aren't slow. The haldex four wheel drive is only ever a help, never a hinderance and means you're never short of traction. They will understeer when pushed and it'll never power oversteer which is really the fun killer but I still love mine.
Cheap to run, 40mpg+ on a run, tyres are reasonable on regular sized 18" wheels (225/40/18) and no more expensive to service than a golf. Haldex service isn't expensive and is only due every 20k. Just get one that's been looked after and you'll be fine. N75 valves are a common failure and as mentioned early dashpods and radios fail so watch out for those.