Cambelts are 100k, although the pullys tend to go before then so aim for about 85 ish.
Plugs, not very often and not very expensive.
Corrosion, just by the wing mirrors there generally is some, also on the boot, there is a strip of plastic, it rust there, but its only surfice rust.
DMF is only an issue on the diesel ones (04 plates generally). It shares the flywheel with the ST170 and it can get damaged.
Engine wise, nothing major has been reported with them, the 1.8 is a decent engine, but its a bit thirsty (320 miles out of a full tank) so take that in mind. Take a look at the drop links on the anti roll bar, they will creak and clang if they are on the way out and its an MOT fail if they are. In the years I've had mine its generally been brakes and tyres that needed replacing, nothing major in the engine (both petrol and diesel)
I used to own an X reg 1.8 lx, decent specs on it, was a nice car to drive, just a bit thirsty. Am now in an 04 1.8 TDCi Ghia, again, decent specs, its had a new flywheel (and clutch plates), but, its not mega ecconomic on fuel (450 on a full tank if I drive carefully) and i've had this one nearly 3 years now.
Aim for the facelift version of the car if you can, looks a bit better and its a common car, so parts are easy to get and cheap.
Odly enough, mines for sale in Aug/Sept
