my first saff i had was a stage 1 2wd and i used it everyday work and back and on weekends ringing it neck in basildon and after about a year the engine was getting tired lifters getting noisey and turbo seals going. i now have a stage 3 2wd saff but it is a hobby so i don't drive every day last year it only done afew hundred miles i will definatly not bring it out if the grit lorries have been out.
as said above newer cars lack the thrill of driving a quick car i recently drove a brand new bmw 335 m sport twin turbo and i was honestly dissapointed.
In my opinion i would choose my saff over anything jap but wouldn't have it as my daily driver.
just buy one and see how you get on chances are you'll love, but you'll sell it again no probs(if you've bought a nice one) and won't acually loose any money think of it as an investment sti only gonna go down in value!

cheers,
Phil