Yeah I pretty much agree with that. I've had a few,2 golfs,both super low mileage which were hardly damaged. Especially the 2nd,a bike went in the back of it. Slight crease in the back of the boot floor & a dented bumper. 5 mins later sorted lol,
I have had a pile of @*!# in the form of a partially repaired 3series e46 coupe. Ended up spending more than a straight one I found. Much better to do the work yourself though as you say, you control the standard then.
I think realistically I'm hardly going to get in middle ground between the damaged ones & straight ones available at the minute, shame really as its a great car, just lacks any kind of entertainment lol