You have to add up what the cars being used for, if there is lots of running about then new (can then be put on your company's books and get VAT back etc) or near new if buying it as a private car and not part of company.
If new and given your age and experience I would buy a Clio 197, its not much bigger than anything you've had, but much faster and cooler, but still good enough on fuel that if using for business etc and running up a few miles not to hard on pocket and the best bit its less than £16K has 20Kish service interval and you could swing it lower from dealer but I'd try and get the optional Recaro's as they are brilliant seats thrown in rather than wangle big discount as that will make it a better option for selling.
2nd hand Clio 182 Trophey if you can find one with its very trick race spec dampers, you will not beleive how well it handles compared to everything else on the road.
Don't buy a MINI as new one about to come put rendering the old ones values less, unless a good 2nd hand deal, new one gets decent 1.6L turbo engine developed by Peugeot, rather than old Chrylser engine it has at present.
But as with everything, we all have our views and its best that you short list some cars go and test drive them as only you will know what car lights your fire.
