Timing belt replacement interval: 60,000 mile replacement - this must be serviced immediately if there is no recent record of changing it. If this part fails, the cylinder head will be damaged and in severe cases you will need a new engine. This is because the TDI is an interference engine. If the timing belt or timing belt roller/tensioner fails, the valves will hit the pistons and cause damage. Mk4 cars can use a long life timing belt, the Mk3 must stick to the 60,000 mile maximum replacement interval. See 1000q: timing belt removal or check for more details.
Note - if you just purchased this car, many sellers will have the timing belt changed to add value to the car. Many don't know how to properly index the tight tolerances that a diesel engine needs or the procedures for replacing the timing belt on a TDI or have a mechanic who is used to gasoline cars and then does the work on a TDI engine. At least remove the timing belt cover and inspect the parts to see if they look new as some sellers will outright lie or be lied to by a 3rd party. If you have any doubt about the timing belt, have it changed as soon as possible not as soon as practical!
Engine oil change: 10,000 mile change w/filter if you are using synthetic diesel engine oil. See 1000q: diesel engine oil for a list of oils you can use in this TDI. Note that it is normal for the oil to be black, even when new. It is also normal for the engine to consume a little oil between engine oil changes. See the engine oil list for more details.
Plastic belly splash shield present? - While you are under the hood, see if the plastic belly pan is there. It's a black plastic splash shield with sound absorbing squares in it. It keeps water and dirt off the bottom of the engine and belts, reduces sound, and improves aerodynamics. If you can see the ground through the engine bay, it's not there - replacement is suggested.
Diesel fuel filter change: 10,000 mile drain water, 20,000 mile replacement. If you plan on using high percentages of biodiesel, you should change it as soon as practical because biodiesel can loosen up deposits. See 1000q: fuel filter change for more details. See 1000q: intro to biodiesel for more info on biodiesel.
Odometers reset back to 0 at 300,000 so if the car shows unusually low mileage it's possible that the odometer has flipped over.
Apply the parking brake when parking! It's good practice with any car but it is important on VWs because this sets the rear caliper self adjusters. It's best to apply the brake before going into park (auto trans) or first/reverse gear (manual trans) to put stress on the brake instead of the transmission internals.
It's common for the valve cover or EGR to seep oil. None of these will affect engine function but it can cause smoke and a big oily mess. The valve cover seal can be easily replaced but the EGR is part of the intake manifold and has to be replaced as one piece.
Brake and clutch fluid should be changed every 2 years with DOT 4 fluid. See 1000q: brake / clutch fluid flush for some tips. The article is for a later car but it's the same thing. See the maintenance schedule in the links at the top.
If the shifter is difficult getting into 1st gear, it may be because of a worn shifter linkage or it may need a simple adjustment. See 1000q: shifter adjustment for details.
Source: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/mk3-vw-jetta-tdi-1996-1999-and-passat-tdi-1996-1997-buying-checklist/
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