Sure that wasnt an Evo ? lol

£1500 is a tight budget. There will be cars out there, the biggest problem is finding one

Ideally one you really know it's history and that has been properly maintained.

Ive seen some that should have been decent cars, some even with huge web write ups about their build and shiny pictures of expensive looking parts. But shoddily put together and turned it into a piece of shit that needed vast amounts to put right.
One guy had just bought a 97 STi, recent engine rebuild bla bla bla.

Holy good fuck, there was silicone sealer everywhere, the engine knocked, they had re-used old head gaskets, and worst of all there were circlips missing off two of the gudgeon pins !! Talk about a ticking time bomb.

An engine replacement or rebuild can be a good thing. Problem is, it can also be the worst thing in the world if not done by a proper reputable place.