im lookin to buy & have 13000 to 14000 to spend what's the best model & what should i beware of so i dont get ripped off?

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 5 RS sounds good. Make sure it doesnt have warped brakes and ask to see the service invoices. Also read the FAQ on the lancerregister.com :D

MY99, maybe a MY00 turbo for that sort of money.

is the evo any good around town

Buy an Evo so Claudius doesn't harp on to you about how crap impreza's are. :p

i was offered an RB5 for 16000 & was told there a bit sought after but they look a bit dull to me although it drove great . would you buy one

Depends if you want 4.5k service intervals and 150mile fuel stops, if so then get an evo, if not and you want an affordable and reliable car go for an MY99/00 or if you can get hold of an RB5 (the WR ones are better though ;)) then do so, just make sure it has full subaru service history :D
There are alot of dogs out there so take your time looking!
(and for the ammout of evo's out there there are even more dogs than subarus!)

Tony:D

Must hasten to add that RB5's will infact hold their money better than other UK cars due to the 444 limited run, plus you get lots of extras for nowt ;) and as ive said, the WR version is better (has the prodrive performance pack fitted and should have the certificate to prove it! plus a big spoiler on the back ;))

Tony:D