How did you go about the importation process from Oz? Is it difficult to up spec to the "Lux" pack?
Cost me about $2,000 for freight from Australia, I had a spare motor in the back and a few other bits.
I got a good one, as in the paint is nice, no chips and mostly original. Its the Liquid Yellow colour that sold me.
The Lux interior I have lifted from a well specked 2nd "parts car" that I got off Trade-Me.
My recommendation would be to start with a good Clio RS, a 172 or 182 that has been looked after will only go up in value from this point. Enjoy that for a while and if you want to go faster save for a Megane 3 RS, they are an absolute weapon and a nicer drive than the older RS225/R26. Have driven many and owned several now.