I have tried the 1.5E City and indeed it was a blast to drive, and yes, FC is really driver-dependent. No matter how efficient your car is, if you drive it hard everytime it will result to poor fuel consumption. The 1.5E City averages 11km/L according to the FC meter display on the instrument cluster. Although I hardly encountered any traffic, I've done several hard overtakes during the trip. So if you become easy on the gas, it might actually result to better FC. Haven't tried manually computing it, but it shouldn't differ much. Mga .5km/L less lang siguro difference niya.

Frankly, I wouldn't buy something that's already third hand. So as much as I want the 1.5L City, I have to go with the 1.3L on this one. At least, from the description you gave it's maintained better. And haven't gone through 2 hands already for the past 3 years.

You can bring a mechanic if he's familiar with the car and is knowledgeable enough. Else, bring it to CASA. Maybe you could ask the seller if you could split the cost of the inspection between you & him.

I don't know how the 1.3L performs but with the experience I had with the 1.5L City, I want one since the power is more than enough.