Well, to cut another very long story short, I bought it. Actually it's my wife's car, to replace a blue '03 WRX. It was delivered on Saturday. We were hoping to get it in mid-December but the type approval took a bit longer than planned and then it was the hols. Like a lot of people, we didn't like the pictures of the MY08 car when we saw them and we were going to move away from Subaru, but we think the mesh grille and the 18" Type RA wheels really transform the look.
We haven't driven it much yet, but first impressions are very favourable. It's a hoot to drive, and it feels a lot more modern and grown up than the '03. And the doors and boot close with a clunk rather than a clang. We like the fact that at first glance it's really anonymous, although my wife fears that whereas in the blue one she used to be let out of every side road by every lad in a Saxo, etc., now she will have to fight her way out like people in ordinary cars!
Anyway, my priority now is to get the old car sold - can't afford to keep both, unfortunately.
We are in Cambridgeshire, so if you see us, give us a wave!
Cheers,
Dom