Mazda MX5 took a test drive with lowered suspension and it was terrible

Get a test drive in a proper one then, it is a wonderful car. Light, nippy, very informative steering, possibly the best feeling gearbox on the planet. About the only thing against it is the relative lack of power, but to be honest I see that as an advantage too as it stops me from killing myself. On a curvy road it can keep up with most things, thanks to the ease with which you can throw it around. Also very very reliable (116,000 miles in mine so far, only let me down once when a hose split after 115,000 miles).

When you drive one that hasn't been messed up you will love it, I promise. At 15k you should be able to find a brand new 1.8 MX5 if you shop around.

What about a TVR ? You can get a secondhand Chimera for that sort of money, insurance will be painful though.

The MR2 is fun to drive (tiny bit more power than the MX5) it is hopeless the instant you want to go away for to weekend with a friend though. I thought the MX5 had limited storage and then I saw the MR2...

I have managed a two week driving holiday in the MX5 with two people's lugage, in the MR2 that would be impossible.

Rover MGF Yuck way to fat me no like

Good taste, nasty, nasty car. Why would anyone want a sports car that you sit on rather than in ?