I had an R plate ST-24 for a year after selling my last Cossie and I've now got an ST-200 as a daily drive.
I would say it's a lot of car for the money and when compared to other "family saloons" they handle ok too.
With the exception of a new battery I've had no problems with them at all.
BUT
Don't expect to compare an ST to an RS Cossie or Turbo as they are totally different animals and you really do miss the rush of the turbo coming on boost
HTH
Edd