if it is a 6n2 polo which i believe it is as it is a 2001, dont worry they are bullet proof, i had one and wish i never sold it... as long as it has been serviced regularly and generally looked after, you should be okay... obviously a car of this age with get faults, its just part of motoring... but they are good buy but insurance is expensive on them compared to rivals
*edit: i believe the pedal box problem was specific to the gti... i could be wrong though