On the subject of insurance, how much have you shopped around? When I first started looking I was getting quotes for £4k+, which almost put me off completely, but with enough digging and waiting a bit, I was getting quotes from more friendly companies for around £1k. In the end I paid about £1250 for a 10 month bonus accelerator scheme for my first year. I'm about to renew to a better policy. I was 22 when I first started looking, and 23 when I took out the policy with 2 years driving and ncb.
If you are happy to give a large proportion of your money to the car, you won't regret it. They're awesome.
I learned to drive in a 1.25 Fiesta, then drove a 1.6 8v Astra for a year and then got a stock Supra TT with a body kit. Best thing I ever did. As long as you're careful and you don't drive like a dick, you'll be fine.