Help with buying a replacement car

Dear All

I know someone out there can help me!

My car was written off whilst parked outside my house about a month ago. I had a courtesy car for a while but now they've taken it away:cool:

I got £3k for my car, but I don't know what to replace it with.

I've always wanted a little sports car. I couldn't have one before as my husband had two children that lived with us but they've grown up and moved out. However, we now have a dog so I still need some space in the back. I can add to the £3k as we've been saving to move house (we don't like the road we live on as it is getting busier with traffic - my lovely little cat was killed on it only 2 weeks ago)

The question is...do I forgo my little dream of a sports car as it would be a waste of money and go for a little cheap run-around (thrify but not much fun so far as I've found) or do I just say s*d it, and go for what I want?

I guess what I'm hoping for is to find a compromise. Any help would be much appreciated;)