Fun car for father-in-law? 15 grand tops...

[Neeek]

So my father-in-law wants a new (secondhand) car. He's currently running around in his old van and wants something slightly more interesting. Budget is up to fifteen grand.

He previously had an MX-5 (99 model) but sold it to upgrade the family car about 18 months ago. He misses it and would like another but is thinking about other cars too. Requirements:

- cheap to run/maintain
- modern
- fun
- no need for more than 2 seats
- nice

It would be used primarily to get him to the rowing sheds and back every morning (35km round trip), popping out to the shops, the occasional drive "just because". I don't think he can go past an MX-5, but my wife suggested a VW Golf GTI (say, a 7/8-year old one). He suggested a Smart (I laughed). Can anyone think of anything else worth considering?

Remember, he's 60 and doesn't want an older car, nor something the size of a Falcon. And it has to be interesting. Any ideas?