Another what car, £2k, dog friendly

[genericguy]

For the other half. I've got an MX5 as my DD so we need something a bit more practical too.
She is looking at a 2002 Rover 25 for £1200 tomorrow
Originally she fancied a focus, which I would prefer to a Rover at least.
Want something reliable (I guess no-one ever says they're looking for something unreliable!), reasonable economy but doesn't have to be super-great, something that can take a dog cage in the back (only for a litle Jackahuahua though), ideally it would be something vaguelly exciting to drive but that just for me, other half isn't really bothered.
Budget of £2k can also include trade in on an R reg Metro with 6 months MOT and is slightly flexible.
Appreciate any advice.

[DennisTheMenace]

Want reliability Get the Focus . or something jap , but as the focus has proven to be more reliable than most jap stuff as well only beaten by the honda civic.

At one point it was germanys most reliable car over 3 years old.