Patient my third gen friend!
These cars are always popping up on ebay as I always keep a check on the market.
From what you said, the £3800 it went for was waaaayyy to much.
Bare in mind mine was only £3600 (with 12 months ticket) and the only fault was the ECU keeping the fan on permanently. A manual overide switch later and she was fine. Bodywork on mine appears to be very solid too and my arches are all clean.
I am sure you can get a car of similar condition for £3000 if you wait, although given your efforts on your current one, I'd be inclined to keep it for a couple more years while you save up for something really special!
Now I have a bairn on the way, I won't be upgrading or spending any time soon as we'll soon be on one income!