Nice choice
The top end of your budegt should get you a facelift model (2004 onwards) Differences between the facelift and non facelift are different bumpers and lights, red seat inserts on the front seats, tweaked suspension and a lighter flywheel (there are probably more but cant think of anymore off the top of my head) The facelifts also came in Cosmic Grey, which the non facelifts didnt. Also try and get a one with air con, it was a £1000 option when new.
Things to look out for are rough gear changes and check it doesn't pull to one side, both are known faults. Check through the service history and try and get one with a fully stamped book.
Tuning these isnt cheap, but if you want to blow some cash the have a look at
K-Pro. Handling wise I love mine, although I'm going to be getting adjustable camber arms and bolts and a JDM spec rear anti roll ball then get the alignment set up with a fast road set up. Coupled with braided brake lines it should make b-road blasts and this years nurburgring trip better still
Get some insurance quotes as depending on your age/points it could be expensive. Also get used to going to the pumps to fill up, it's got quite a small tank and I've seen circa 180miles from a full one
My average mpg is around 24, though I have seen it up to 32 on a long run.
Any questions just fire away