Finding a good MK2 isnt easy these days, never mind a good MK1. as for engines, ive had 1.6 and 2 litre petrols, neither were bad on petrol, id still go for the diesel if your looking for good MPG, dont know where you heard the diesels are unreliable, but its the opposite, they go on forever if there looked after, its the diesel MK3's that have expensive issue's.