If the oil is not changed regularly the pick up tube can become clogged and and reduce oil pressure,  I recommend factory oil filter and synthetic oil,  also the cam chain tensioner can make noise if it is worn,  I will tick for a while if it has been sitting

Yes you can remove the pan pretty easy, just a couple of hidden bolts between the engine and transmission in little holes you have to use a long extension and a wobble to get to

Use synthetic oil and drive it,  check the faults for any timing faults,

Sorry,  it is kinda hard sometimes to give good advice without seeing or hearing the car,  but know you have piece of mind,  the 1.8 is a good motor if you change the oil on it,  we see so many abused,  also the timing belt is real important,  they should be changed about every 80 k or when they are shinny and cracked