I can't understand why they made a car as aggressive as the FTO in auto (look wise, as well as engine wise)
Manual or bust for me in 99% of cars, ESPECIALLY in a car like this.
I picked up my car for a bargain for what it is, 98 model GPR and have not had a single problem with it, whether its me or not i seem to notice most problems are in the earlier >96 models, whether or not this is due to the manufacturer year or not i have no idea, but maybe they got their sh*t together after 97 who knows.
I would suggest getting it professionally inspected for the small amount of moolah it would cost you, and at the very least get it up on a hoist, can never be too careful inspecting a car.
there is a thread here somewhere about what to look when going for an FTO which would be what you want to read, contains all the big issues that are commonly found in some models, as well as some good tips.
I guess if you can convince them, a better option would be to convince aza/ben/dwayne with a few slabs to come out themselves and have a look, they know more about FTO's between them than the rest of this club combined
GL with the hunt and i hope to god you arent as unlucky as Matt and get a lemon, let alone 2
going out to everyone 
