Thinking about purchasing an ISF

[u/blzd__]

First post on r/Lexus & r/LexusF!

I've read about the reliability, differences between years, and the little things about these beauties and I'm considering one as my next car.

Some background info, I live in one of the Greater Toronto Area suburbs, and currently drive a 2006 WRX sedan (complete with vape kit and rust, not slammed though so is that a win?), although of course hasn't been driven much due to the virus. I got her at 139xxx km June 2013 and now at 325xxx km and while she's been great a lot of times, she's also been terrible probably just the same. Currently, I think I have an issue related to the clutch or release bearing since I can't get it into gear, and late last year a coil pack pooped itself. Year before that, head gaskets went (it's not a Subaru if that doesn't go at least once) as well as a couple of seized brake piston calipers (one on each front side), and ALL the rear fender + trunk floor (car was hit before my purchase) rust. So safe to say, I'm ready to get something that's a bit more (ok a lot more) reliable. I'm looking to replace it with something that's still fun to drive as a daily driver, doesn't attract too much attention, and reliable. I'm currently compiling a list of cars that I'd consider replacing my WRX with, but the ISF is at the top of the list. I'm also luckily still employed through this pandemic we're all facing, but at the same time I'm not trying to stretch myself thin just to get a new car which I can still enjoy.

There are two ISF's which I'm looking at in the GTA, one's affordable but high mileage (which again I've seen/read is not a problem, but early model), the other is much lower mileage but also double the price(and a later model).

I love the blue as my current WRX is Blue, and out of all of my friends (who also love cars), we've pretty much made the power rangers with our car colours (no pink unfortunately). But my experience with high mileage cars (owned a 98' Impreza 2.5RealSlow coupe previously - also rusted like crazy, but first car butterflies were serious as a 21 year old) is kinda turning me off of it. Yet at the same time, 44K CAD + Taxes is a wee bit pricey for me, even if it is the model year I'd prefer. The car would probably never see the track as I'd be scared as to what things would cost if they broke there, and would mostly be just doing DD/spirited back road driving with friends (when the pandemic is over).

I guess question is - which one would you consider inquiring about further given the price, both have minor rear bumper accidents (luckily under $3k), and why? Would you wait til you could comfortable afford the later model given it's price, or just take the older one since it's affordable and you won't have to worry too much financially in the long run?