i know around my way (london) i see alot more subaru's than s3's. new or old they are common. most cars arent fast from factory unless you buy something like a rs4 or porsche which are designed to be fast and not eco friendly.... subaru's dont feel fast when standard, even if the stats on paper say otherwise. they do go well when played with, but then you get reliability issues, clutch would be the first thing to go no doubt.
the one to get is the p1, as they have the red top engine which has stronger ribbed block, forged pistons, piston oil squirters, strengthened close ratio box, and the much lighter 3 door motorsports shell.
if your set on getting a wrx, i would suggest paying abit more and getting an evo, as they are built alot better