I use PS2 gamepads as my weapon of choice - the left stick eventually dies on them, the springyness eventually giving out... and it's just happened again.
So today, I went to EB Games & discovered they no longer carry brand new PS2 controllers, but had a few second hand.. I bought them all (3) at $8 each. One of them is peculiarly awesome..
When you calibrate it, you add an extra step where you turn gmotion on, then calibrate it like a wii controller... then it gives you steering control according to the angle you're holding it on.
Cute 8)