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2.0 tsi, cam chain tensioner (good oil changes reduces this) doesn't cost much to put one on before it becomes an issue, go through coil packs fairly often (get good ones), top end engine wear (good oil at regular intervals) seen a few when in larger cars makinh a racket by the 100/120k mile point when they shouldn't be.
Generally powerful enough, sound alright and good on fuel for its output
BrickMan
Lower end of the scale here. My MK2 FL Octavia estate is reaching the end of its life and needs replacing with something suitable for chucking muddy MTBs in with the wheels on and the crap condition roads of Shropshire. Top of the list is the Seat Altea Freetrack, £3k seems to get an '07-'09 with <80k miles, certainly better value than another Octavia or similar.
I can deal with it looking like a complete dog's dinner inside and out given the rest of it seems reasonable. Largely; big boot, 4 wheel drive, decent ride height/high profile tyres and the choice of either the 2.0 CR170 Tdi (more powerful version of my current Octavia) or more interestingly the 2.0 TSI from the Mk5 Golf GTi. Built on the same VAG platform as my Octavia so most mechanical bits are familiar.
Questions are:
Other option on the list is the '03-'09 Outback 3.0, but less choice in budget.