Thanks for the responses guys. I'm not too concerned with tax and fuel costs, I just want a quick reliable car. My worrys are getting stranded and suddenly having a massive engine repair bill.
I suppose it's a bit of a gamble with either car, with the 2.0 t having the oil starvation issues and the 3.2 with it's stretchy camchain. I've driven them both and the 3.2 is certainly the most immediately impressive, although there's not a lot in it in terms of acceleration and top speed.
Perhaps the safest thing is to buy the 2.0 t and budget £300 for immediately replacing the pickup pipe. Certainly less scary than the £3000 to replace the camchains and wotnot on the 3.2. But even then there's the cam follower to worry about.
Maybe I should just keep saving for the newer model!