ST24s are brilliant cars, had mine almost from new done well over 100k mls with no problems at all. Early cars had issues with plastic water pump impellors.
Nice looking, plenty of room inside, massive boot, FORD, sound fantastic (with a 57i kit).
Even been on track at donnington twice with it.
And you won't be one of the sad twats how think there gods gift cos they have got a poxy Golf (tossers).
Only my opinion of course.