Why not a Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport Roadster Coupe? Huge fun, practical, and sensibly priced. The latest SLK isn't really a sports car. It has reverted to a two seater roadster for girls and hairdressers in the same manner as the original SLK. The previous V6 SLK 280, 300 and 350 with manual boxes are more sporty. Just avoid 19-inch rear wheels that make the ride ridiculously hard and half-trigger the airbags on speed humps. Boxsters are much more serious sports cars requiring commitment and endurance to drive, and with either of these it's important to get one with a limited slip diff. You solve the soft top worry by buying a Cayman or Cayman S.