I had a budget set aside of £5k and ended up buying a fairly tidy 4x4 for £4 but you will need the extra grande to pay for insurance, setting it up and little bits and pieces - I fitted oil and boost gauges to mine etc.

Whatever you get spend the extra £150 quid getting it set up professionally. This is the best money you will ever spend on your cossie. I've got a sensible stage 1+ on mine - giving 291 bhp and 316 lbft. It flies but its still fairly modest tuning and has been totally reliable (touch wood).

Its true whats been said about subarus being cheaper but every other car on the road is a subaru. I wanted something a little less common. Also, loads of people come up to you and remark about how they had a cossie back in the day or its the car they always wanted etc. I like something a bit different.

Good luck whatever you decide.