I've wanted an Escort Cossie for years, still do, but went for the Focus RS for the same reason's you've mentioned. Would like to think one day I'll own one but couldn't afford to do what I wanted with it + maintain/repair it!

I've always loved Fords + RS's so naturally the Focus was the obvious choice for me, it should hold it's value pretty well being so limmited, also being new reliability etc is no problem at all, is also comfy without being boring. Also, after the simple/cheap modifications I've done, it's goes like fucking stink!!