I know i like to pick holes in Jardo because it's pretty awesome sport, but that post is pretty much bang on and even has some proper legit information. There's your answer the the £500 price hike...
In all seriousness though, old cars are so good. Don't buy a shit one to start with and you'll have no MoT issues (or buy a really old one like mine which won't ever need testing again come november...) learn proper hands on mechanical stuff, pay shit all for classic policies and drive something that's immeasurably cooler than a Focus.