2-2.5K will get you an early model ST.

3K up will get the 2nd and final facelift type, comes with 6spd, better spec usually etc.

I just paid 3.5K for an 04 model with 57K on it, pretty much full spec car, fantastic for the money, drove it 2 days and love it. And the shit fuel myth is bollocks, motorway cruising will return very good miles for a 3ltr powered car! Anybody wanting good miles shouldnt be looking at performance car ranges anyway!