cheap imported cars with dubious history/mileage go from £3,500-5k. at around 60k the front supsension arms do wear out, and are a £700-800 repair in parts alone (very common failure point around that mileage), once done tho they will last another 60k miles. clutch also is expensive as its easier to drop the engine and box in one go, usually £350-500 labour so stick a good clutch in when it needs one.

better cond cars (st205) with a few nice mods go from £5-8k depending on year /miles etc. that would get you say a 60-80k 1994 or 95 car, on 17s or 18" rims, with exhaust and filter mods typically. usually 300bhp approx as well!

couple for sale on the club forum at the mo, 94-95 cars from £5-7k. also a heavily modded one up for £6-7k with 440bhp proven, altho its a stripped out racer look!