Whay Japanese ?
Have you thought about a kit car ?
You can get a Quantum for about a grand, you'll be about 600 for insurance (
) and you'd have a car that can beat the ass of any wannabees
With 2 years to go, you coudl buy a kit and build it yourself. By doing that you'll learn how it all works and how to maintain the car. Look for SUKA's posts on his kit project.
Citroen Saxo and Pug 106/206 are good entry cars and second hand prices are cheap-ish and LOTS of stick on bits if you liek the "ricer" look. You've 2 years to look aroudn for a good deal or 2 buy a dead one and spend the time replacing the bits that broke ( Saxo's get their heads revved off by 'ricers' and can be got with vlown engines real easy
)
Classic Mini's are still something everyone should drive at SOMETIME in their life to be able to judge all others
Coudl you really stand the embarrassment of driving around in a Nissan Micra ??
Corsa good choice, especially if you already have a burberry cap