If you're going to get a second car then you may as well get something exciting and fun. How about these which should be inside your budget:
Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo – fabulous 5 cylinder engine, striking looks, fastest production FWD car at the time (possibly still is?), 0-100 14.5 secs, 155 top end, 28mpg, 4 proper seats and a decent size boot (much more reliable than people think – but do take some looking after though).
Honda Civic Type R – super practical, very very reliable, revtastic engine, (great B road weapon if you can look past the now slightly chavy image).
Peugeot 306 Gti/Rallye – not as fast as the two above but one of the best drivers cars around. Fast, fun, practical and cheap. Take one of these to the twisties and you'll be smiling for weeks.