if you can get lucky then a £1200 impreza is possible imo
just catching someone desperate for the cash and there are plenty about and great cars lots of fun to drive.

the volvo is another great car and i would guess you have more chance of finding a well looked after example they are reliable bar the usual electric gremlins and raping front tyres, if i did not commute so much i would be tempted by one myself
my mate rob owned one chipped to 280bhp for years and it was a great car plus had room for the muddy dogs in the back