Thanks for the replies again chaps. The problem with being in Cornwall (apart from all the holidaymakers at this time of the year clogging up my favourite driving roads!) is that there are very few "nice" cars available that aren't at least 3 hours away, making test driving potential examples of any marque rather challenging!
In terms of your suggestions:
996C4S - I am not a fan of the 996.2 generally (IMS/borecope/front lights), and the C4S is no faster than mine.
Boxster Spyder - One would certainly be a "sensible" buy, probably more so than a 981 but I want something that can be used (occasionally) in the winter.
Boxster 986 - I have thought about buying one and keeping the 996, but I don't really want the cost of running two "second" cars.
Griff 500 - they are lovely, but a bit too old tech for me I'm afraid, and there are no TVR specialists near me.
Z4M/M3 - for me I don't think they are quite special enough or fast enough.
JM30 - I had a Vx220 and then a VX220 turbo that I used as my daily drivers for 2 years back in the mid noughties. I loved both of them, but they were not ideal for a 40 mile commute each day or when driving to Heathrow on a very cold January morning (so I bought a Clio V6 phase 2 instead, before I bought my 964 turbo). I have looked at VX220 turbos, and that then led me to looking at Lotus's. I like the S2 Elise/Exige, but I think the S3 looks fantastic and the performance has been likened to a GT3/GT4 which is exactly what I am looking for, but with the option of a convertible roof. I prefer the looks of the Coupe, but I think the roadster, as you say, would probably suit my usage more. Not surprisingly, the nearest Lotus dealer is 150 miles from me (although there is a specialist only 50 miles way who could look after it) and the nearest Exige S is also 150 miles from me. Needless to say I have never seen an Exige S in Cornwall, which is part of the appeal!
Anyway, today I leave for a 17 day holiday with the family in Cyprus, so will have time to think further on this while sitting around the pool looking at this view.
To be continued... :bye: