A3 1.6 Advice and reviews please

Hi,

Im new here. Im in the process of looking for an A3 and have found a lovely 1.6 Sport for sale. I have a friend who works for audi and he warned me off the 1.6 models saying they aren't nearly as good as the 1.8 or 2.0 and that they are very slow. He also said they don't drive anything like the other A3s and they have a different engine. Also, the engine light coming on is a common problem.

Im just looking for some feedback from ppl who have owned a 1.6 A3 for a while and see what their opinion is on the cars. Are they really that slow? and have you had any problems with them?
Im not too bothered about speed but do not want to be struggling to get up a moderate hill.

The car is a 2003 (53, new shape) 1.6 sport with 42,000 on the clock. It has an audi sport body kit on and is for sale for £8750. 1 owner, all the usual full servie history etc. Does this seem a fair price?

Many Thanks

Rob :)