DV replacement and cam follower replacement are essential maintenance items on these cars but I wouldn’t let it put me off a relatively low-mile car.
Unless the owner is a bit of an enthusiast, or it’s been to a garage that knows what it’s doing it’s likely the DV won’t have been changed. It’s a relatively cheap part, doesn’t cause any further complications if torn, and is an easy change with a ramp, moderate with axle stands DIY.
The cam follower again likely won’t have been changed (not seen as a serviceable part by VW iirc) and this is more of a concern, however if the mileage is sensible and it’s a late example car i’d again not let it put me off. Just make it one of your first jobs.
I bought my 2008 in April and neither of the above had been done. I knew the DV was gone from the moment I first put my foot down, but £50 later and an hour in the driveway and it was back to full boost.
Cam follower was very easy to change (no banjo bolt) and my original one had just started wearing away the black coating in the middle. Right time to change, but prob would have lasted another 30-40k given the car was on 110k.
To put it all into perspective, it had full main dealer service history up until 2015 at which point it was serviced regularly by a local specialist. Stack of receipts, cambelt/water pump/ clutch done, ran very well, very tidy body work and generally a nice example.
If you’re super picky, maybe have a look in the classifieds here?
Other things I’d look out for is rust on the front wings, and droning from the rear with uneven tyre wear on the inside of rear tyres, which would suggest rear shocks are gone.
A big job on these cars is the cam chain- so have a listen for any nasty rattling coming from the engine. Search on here for more info.
Also general turbo health, leaks, rattles, boost etc.
A poor lumpy idle could point to a knackered PCV. Again an easy fix, pull the dipstick out for a split second and if car tries to die, it’s fine. If it isles like normal, it’s gone.
Don’t be alarmed if you start it when cold and it takes a second or two to fire up and sounds a bit lazy in doing so. Lazy cold starts seem to be a characteristic of these engines. I don’t think anyone has got to the bottom of why, could be high mileage injectors, could have something to do with the valves getting coked in carbon. But that’s another story.
Good luck!
