I was in a similar situation to you. Im nearly 25 now and had mine 2 years.
It is the best car I have owned.
Fuel is expensive, but it is on any performance car.
Its the cheapest car ive owned for tuning and servicing. Look for a local specialist.
I wouldnt look at PPP myself, you can get a quicker more economical (lol) car by going your own way.
I had a go in a 2005 DCCD car and a 2004 without the DCCD and I bought the 2004.
Look for a serviced car, preferably enthusiast owned and dont worry about subaru history either.
Good Luck!

 

DCCD is an aquired taste for some. Bit like a tractor in car parks, hate reversing and clunk and grind if you forget to unlock it manually....however, once really on the move they make for a more thrilling ride. More rear biased and yet helps with understeer too.

 

I would say my05 with dccd is worth the premium,I went for a jdm which in my opinion is worth the premium over a uk car, owned a uk before and wouldn't go back. People moan about mpg but its no worse than any other car of similar performance.