I used to have 1.6 SE before my Passat great little car.
Things to look for; make sure the gearbox feels smooth and tight if you struggle to get any gears walk away it probably means a new box.
The water pumps can fail pretty horribly taking the cam belt and valves with it. If it hasn't been done recently get the cambelt and water pump done asap.
Radiators do rot in the bottom corners but they are also cheap at £58 for new one from Car Spares
Bottom arms tend to be a yearly change but at £16 each hardly expensive plus are dead easy to do
And make sure you only run the engine on 5w30.
Rich