Volkswagen: 1998 Beetle & possible electric problems, humidity extremes, honda type

Question
In 2003, we purchased a 1998 New Beetle, with stick shift and 22,500 miles.  At the time, we were told by several used car dealers that we should NEVER consider buying a 98, because there would be electrical problems to deal with in the future.  We decided to go ahead with it anyway, because we really liked the way the vehicle handled, the cost,and the low mileage.  It is four + years later, and the odometer now reads about double - 45,000 miles.  There have been no electrical problems and, aside from routine maintenance, no other problems either.

HOWEVER, my wife is absolutely convinced that we are going to have the dreaded electrical problems at some point, and that it's just a matter of time.  I am of the "cup is half full" persuasion and I maintain that, if we have not had any problems to this point, there is a good chance that we'll not experience them in the future.  

So - my questions are as follows: 1. Do you have any statistics on the percentage of the 98's that have actually had problems?  2. Is there any evidence to suggest that, should the problems occur in a given vehicle, they come within a given mileage period?

Answer
Your car is 10 years old, so there are no guarantees.  Accessory (non driveline) electronics typically fail from age not mileage.  Do you live in an area with temperature or humidity extremes?

Do not expect Honda type reliability.  VWs break, but they are much more enjoyable to drive.  Personally, if I owned it, I'd keep it, considering the miles.  You wouldn't be able to buy it for what you could get selling it.

PS- Even though you have low miles, have the timing belt changed.  It can fail from age.  The damage that a failed belt causes costs more than the value of the car to fix.

PPS- Consumer Reports may have reliability data, but I'd still keep it regardless.