I'd rubber a UK Teg unless insurance is an issue, these cars tend to attract rust if they're not properly undersealed/looked after and can feel a bit flat against a JDM model... plus they dont look as good, IMO.
My friend has just bought a JDM 96 spec from 200bhpcars and it is a brilliant car and there are minimal differences from the later 98-spec JDM, certainly nothing that would put me off buying a 96-spec over a 98-spec.
Cheers,
Grant