On the topic of the car, then providing you have enough to do it, i would buy an Escos if that's what you want. The Escos isn't my cuppa tea, but if it's what you wan't, then go for it.

No disrespect intended mate, but no matter what you do to your RST, it will still just be a FWD Escort. A 4wd Escos will be in a totally different league, not to mention the fact they look much nicer and will hold there residuals well. Infact, now would probably be the best time to buy one, as it looks as if there going up again.