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non-photographic though.
I am looking at getting a second car, since the wife needs to get the children around and I need to travel a bit more with my job. I want to go as fast as possible for under 30K.
So, Lotus Exige, Vauxhall VX200 or Honda s2000 are on my list at the moment.
I also thought of 2nd hand TVR.
Also I could go for a much cheaper ride - less classy but still pretty quick in the Civic Type R or the Clio 182??
(btw, Carabosse, if you read this, I don't want a BMW 
The Vauxhall VX200 gets good reviews but I think the s2000 is a cracker of a car. Much nicer to look at and goes like a bomb.
Not wanting to push business or anything (but I will!) but my brother runs a car business and currently has some very good deals. Check BL Autosource. Those cars aren't on the website but it's worth giving him a ring.
Bri
Mercedes SLK MkII - just out
Folding metal roof great for sunny or rainy days
About 150mph and 0-60 in 7 secs. Rear wheel drive, slides about a bit if you want it to.
I have the MkI and it's fast, fun and stylish
Mike.
Lotus Exige - Excellent but impractical as the hood takes an age to remove/put back
Vauxhall - Pretty much same
Civic Type R - Fast but you will need a friendly osteopath
Mercedes SLK - Only available with sequential auto I think, also not that fast and doesn't handle that well. More for cruising the Cote d'Azur, don't know about the MkII though that Mike is talking about.
Mazda MX5 - Plentiful, fun and cheap and for 2k you can stick on a supercharger which will get it to 60 in 5 seconds!
Honda S2000 - This would be my choice. Excellent engine (highest revving and most powerful normally aspirated), power hood and Honda reliability. You can pick up an almost new one for around 22k and they look the part.
TVR (any) - Wicked but not the most reliable
Porsche Boxter - mid engine and pretty
Audi TT Quattro - too popular now for the price, but still sexy
BMW Z3 - Awful
Caterham 7 - your wife maybe but I'm not sure about you. :0)
Hope this helps.
Ian
Avoid BMWs as most owners will tell you that they seem to get a less "friendly" reception on the road, wait longer to get out of side streets, let pass by slower vehicles less often and generally be treated in a less tolerant fashion. A TVR though other drivers seem to treat them like on road royalty and I would imagine the driving experience is better. Of course a half decent motorcycle will provide all the fun, driver satisfaction and thrills needed for a fraction of the price.
Ian,
My Merc has a manual 6-speed. The auto/sequential is about a 1500 option.
As I said 151mph/7.1 secs - fast enough.
And as for handling - really it's not that bad.
Mike
Thanks Mike. I drove an SLK at a track day and it just felt a lump, they told me then it wasn't available in manual, mind you that was the year they first came out. I'd still go for the S2000 though.
Ian
I had a Mercedes 230E a while back which I bought in Germany and brought back to the UK, hard to drive a left hand car over here so reluctantly had to sell it, but would have another if I could, that thing used to suck the tarmac of the road, and fast, shall I tell you HOW fast? On second thoughts, we have any policeman in the forums today????
Ian
Mine is on a Y plate (about 3 years old) and revised since the original.
Done about 78k miles in it - and I'm happy with it...not as nice as the 348 Ferrari I drove round Goodwood last year but then it wouldn't be would it ! 
I looked at the S2000 and discounted it for the soft roof. Doing as many miles as I do in all kids of weather, and to all kinds of places, it was the safer and secure option to go for the SLK...
Mike
Big Bri,
I you have to use the car for business travel the last thing you want is TVR especially a 2nd hand one - as it will spend most of its life in the garage being fixed.
For my money I would go for a 4-5 year old Porsche 911, ultra reliable, mega quick, and fun, but just as happy to pootle around town. I can tell you that all your customers will want a spin in it so thats good for business as well.
BOB
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