Hey everyone. Due to needing to lower my budget because of circumstances (was looking to getting a mk3 vrs estate), I’m now looking towards petrol mk2 vrs estates. Budget is 7k max. Couple of questions. 
What’s people’s experiences with the mark 2?

Im hearing chain tensioner issues on these but confused to which car that’s on - pre face lift or face lift? How much to fix, and wpuld I still feel nervous even once fixed? As in can it just go at anytime?

What is road noise like? Also are they comfortable on long journeys?

Would prefer DSG, any good? Does the pre face lift have DSG option?

Any other things to look out for?

Lastly, obviously as a Skoda forum I’m likely to get mostly Octavia recommendations but the other car I’m potentially looking at is the Mondeo mk4 titanium x sport powershift petrol. Any views on these?

Thanks in advance. 

 

Tensioner risk is facelift cars with the CCZA 2.0TSI engine (pre-face generally have the earlier TFSI cambelt driven engine, although there are a few late pre-face with the newer TSI)
All years of the CCZA engine mk2 are liable for it, but generally speaking 59/10/60 plates seem to be most common for failing, that's not to say a 11 plate onwards isn't a worry. If theres no proof of it being done, prices range from 600-900 depending on where you go, so budget and negotiate accordingly, and only ver use genuine parts.

Road noise - depends on the tyres a lot, Mine has goodyear eagle's and its noisy enough on some road surfaces, generally not terrible, but its not as quiet as a more modern car
Comfort - never had any issues, sticking cheap lowering springs/coilovers on will change that of course
DSG - mine is dsg and would never go manual having had a DSG.  Service history of the DSG is important, oil and filter of it needs changing every 40k so check its been done or budget accordingly

As for the ford, erm, in the motor trade the powershift isn't known as the "power****" for nothing.....

A bit late on the reply, but if it gives you any comfort my '10 plate Vrs ran for 10 years without tensioner issues.

Road noise isn't the best, but didn't bother me and the suspension was more than comfortable for us.

Mine was the manual, so can't comment on DSG.

I only had 2 issues, 1 was the tailgate rusting at the seam, this was eventually replaced FOC by Skoda.  The other was suspension bush wear that effectively meant the lower arm had to be replaced, I think a common issue with all VAG cars.