hello and welcome!
I don't know too much about the 1.4 engine itself but I do know its a pokey little number and reliable.
As with any used car, look out for all the obvious stuff. The car should start first time, quickly. before you start it, check all the dashboard lights are lit up, then after starting, they should all go out. Check the screen in the middle for any messages or alerts.
Check every electrical button, windows, rear boot button etc. Check all the bulbs, because changing the bulbs on these is a bit of a pain so you don't want to be doing that for a while.
Check the ride is solid and firm (on the three door) or solid and comfy on the five door. Listen for noise/hardness at the rear (rear bushes are a common wear zone but are expensive to fix) it will be obvious if they are worn (clunky noise)
Check the front wishbones and drop links are all ok, if you cant see them just rely on the feedback through the steering wheel and listen the any noises, creaks or squeaks. Nothings majorly expensive to fix, but you can use it to get a few quid off.
Listen to that exhaust for noises, after you have test driven it - ideally drive past a wall with the window down - any blowing exhaust noise will bounce back at you. Engine and drivetrain should sound smooth and quiet, gear should select well without noise.
Check the temp gauge reaches half way and stays there, it shouldn't rise above, not even if its red hot outside and don't be told otherwise!
Check you have power there, should be crisp response from the pedal and the clutch should be sharp ideally about half way - 50k miles, check the cambelt is done but be certain of it - you need proof. No more expensive than any other car to do but its still a few hundred quid and worse if it snaps.
If a 5 door, check the rear seats slide etc, and check the middle seat belt works.
well, ive waffled on a bit. A lot of the common issues on these are simple ones, so long as the electrics are working ok they are great cars. That in mind, check the battery - if it is old, don't mess about and ask for a new one, as big as you can get. Oh, if you have it, test the city steering button works - the steering will go really light so don't do it while bombing down the motorway, its just to aid parking and driving round town etc, but a good battery and alternator are important for this to work correctly and you don't want it failing.
best of luck, have fun and don't be afraid of getting your head in that engine bay, press every button and don't settle for less than a perfectly working car because there are plenty around!
