I've only ever driven an 05 STi (mate's old car). Pretty snappy but is a big nugget off boost. Would have thought the extra half a litre of engine capacity would improve things. Very interesting review.
This is exactly what I am doing. Except my shitbox costed me $1,500 and I did mod it a bit. Plus parking the shitbox at a train station is less worrying than a GT-R.
Non-turbo R34 has plenty of power for a P-plater. They hold their value well though. If you're really keen, buy one but don't try to modify it. Save the money then get a turbo once you're off the P's.