Rather than spend £650 on a new turbo, I have sourced a PD150 with no play off a bora on ebay for £160.

 

I aim to send it to turbo dynamics who will replace all the seals etc.. for £180.

 

Seems like a cheaper way to go to me...

 

anyone else bought an old turbo and revamped it?

Why not, that is just what most "new" turbos will be. Not being a TDI owner, I could be wrong but, I think that you should tell the refurbisher which model of car that rebuilt turbo is being fitted to as it may well determine the orientation of some of the bits.  Mind you, if that turbo is declared "beyond rebuild" then you will have wasted money, but I'd hope that an honest seller would not have tried to sell a lump of scrap.

Yeah a few have done the same. That's cheap for a rebuild though

If it ain't broke...