I'd class the last 2 cars I bought as 'cheap'
the 2nd was a car I've been after for almost 2 years - a D reg sunny 'breadvan' estate - I used to see it very occasionally in my works carpark (somerfield) and it was replete with all the old lady touches, dog trust sticker, household carpet mats, handpainted dent repairs, the lot
I left my number on a note under the wiper every time, and the day I got my redundancy (!) she rang up and explained she was moving and giving up driving - 11 months mot, 2 months tax - 150 quid
i did this with a mk1 fiesta that used to show up randomly in my street . the old girl knocked my door and said " if i ever sell it you will be the first to know " .
2 years later got a knock on the door asking if i was still intrested as she bought a car with power steering - 12 months t&t mk1 fiesta granny spec for 150 quid ;D