Avensis potential purchase, advise please

[Saabguy]

Hi folks, 1st post here so go easy on me! I've been offered a 2006 Avensis 2.0vvti for a silly amount of money but of course there's an issue that I have to address and I'm unfamiliar with Toyota's as my name would suggest. The car in question displays a flashing CEL on cold start up and runs quite lumpy, once warm the CEL goes and the car is fine. Having turned a few spanners I know on Peugeot this means a timing chain issue, either stretched chain, worn guides or faulty vvt unit. Would this apply on the Avensis or am I overthinking it? Thanks in advance for any input,

Andy

[Konrad C]

I would get the car scanned and read what codes are stored. Also a live scan When the engine is started and running will also help. The 2.0 ltr petrol engine uses direct injection, so the injector seals need to be very good. The injectors could be an issue, plus the high pressure fuel pump and rails. 

You are in the right ballpark with the timing chain, as the vvti system is connected.
The oil needs to be good and at the right level, since this could affect the vvti running. The vvti controller could also be at fault. This is similar to Renaults dephaser issue with their engines. 
How many miles has the car done, and has the owner maintained it regularly?
If you had said you were buying the 1.8, they were a sorted engine from 2006. Then it would be rear underbody condition, depending where it is driven. 

[Saabguy]

Car has 116k with full main dealer history, was serviced 2 months ago on 114k. I have a friend who's a Renault guru so familiar with similar vvt systems so could be a viable purchase. Thanks for your input.