Quiz the owner if it has a thirst for oil.

These early 1.4's had a bad habit of suffering ring trouble & breather issues.

Some of these engines were replaced under warranty back in the day for oil consumption - complete engine, VW didn't bother trying to repair.

Oil burners are difficult to get through the emissions & will have demolished those 2 x new cats by next year.

As a rule cars used for pottering about were more likely to suffer this.