My old daily driver was an ST24 4door, kept it for over 6 years, other than the water pump issues already mentioned, the only fault I had was a mullered diff (my fault, too many hard launches in it!!) otherwise faultless.
Got to agree with you, I've had 2 sets of wheels off image over the last few years, yes they are expensive, but the quality is exellent & the choice of styles, sizes, colours etc are endless. The service from them is top rate as well.
Love the Image wheels, had a set on my old X pack capri, 8x16 fronts, 10x16 rears RS7's. The biz.
Got a set going on my 'tina project too, 7x16 & 9x17 GTD5's.
Caprinerd saw them when he came up to Brum a few weeks ago.