Recommend me.....

poopot

Hootsmon said:

^ reliable too PP?

Yep... change the cam belt and water pump every 75k... stick some new tyres on every now and then... the only other thing I had to replace on mine was the clutch... after 145k miles I might add

strtdv

Do you need more than 2 seats?

If not, an MX-5 is the answer.

8k will easily get you a post-facelift MK3 (known as the MK3.5) with low miles.

They're reliable and not too hard on fuel.
I'd get the 2 litre version with the folding hard top to make it suitable for all year round use.
Fantastic to drive but not too quick

crunchman

Something from the VW group (Seat and Skoda as well as VW) with a 1.4l TSI engine.

I've got a great big 7 seater Seat Alhambra with that engine, and it goes ok.  Put it in a smaller bodied car and you should get decent performance alongside good fuel economy.

Jetfire

Seat Leon 1.2 TSI. got ours for £7.5k in bright metallic blue, loads of tech and 110bhp. Great if you don't floor it (but that's the same as any car) and very comfortable to drive. So much so, I've always been a die hard diesel fan for years. Always had a 1.9 with 150 bhp and this TSI is insanely good. I'd consider the FR ver

BigBearKris

Veloster. Lime green.