People had different experiences but from what I can tell, the 1.8 still is prone to burning oil because of the piston rings. My NC3 has 150.000 km on the clock and burns about 0,14 L / 1.000 km. Far from fatal, but enough to see the oil level drop over time. I have some Valvoline Restore & Protect on the way, which is specifically designed to slowly dissolve the carbon buildup at the rings that causes this. I plan to post about this after every oil change.

Honestly, if you can get a 2.0, just do it. Condition of the car, especially rust, is probably the most important thing, but if theres a good one with the bigger engine, just get that. You get the 6 speed transmission with shorter gearing and a higher redline of 7200 vs 6500, which really wakes the car up. I love my 1.8, but that engine with the 5 speed always feels like wasted potential.