I’ve just bought one and the DV definitely needed doing, car felt flat, no boost. I know what 150bhp felt like, and it felt like that! Took it off and it was completely shredded the whole way around.
Just to advise, it wasn’t a difficult job. Took me around an hour, so if you’re handy with a spanner don’t be afraid to give it a go.
I think unless you do buy from someone in the know, in all likelihood it will be knackered. Scary how many Mk5’s must be currently driving around making about 50bhp less with totally unaware drivers!
Anyway, I now need to get the cam follower done...