Dont mean to hijack the thread but i noticed you are from the A.C.T. If you are interested I live in canberra and will be selling my car at the end of this month after having a major service including the 100,000km service, a new clutch, new fluids, all belts, new filters etc. It is completly stock (excluding exhaust, 3" HKS super silent model) and has always been reliable to me as a daily driver. First Australian owner (bought from private importer in Melbourne Sept 06 at 74,000km, now at 98,000km) and serviced every 5,000km
Again, didnt mean to hijack, just came across this thread and thought i'd throw it out there
On topic though, if you want to save money then buy a car that is already modified. If you want a blank canvas to create what YOU want, buy a stocker. That car looks really worn out, i'd say avoid and keep looking.