I owned an 03 plate (6 speed) prior to the GTI for 2 years:
Was a great car in the summer with the top down even though I got some abuse of random passers by (w@nker, gay etc!)
Could get an overnight bag in but not much else.
Winter was fun - useless on snow/slush so much so it was laughable.
If you do get one try and get a hardtop, feels a lot more complete when that's on through the colder months.
The Mr2 roadster forum was a helpful place too.
As others have said its not a fast car but is fun and you can kick the back out nicely on damp greasy roads.
Be warned though mine gave me real bad b0llock ache! my work commute was an hour each way in traffic, must have been the low slung seating position but used to kill my nuts!
Think it would be a great Sunday toy still