Dude the 2002-2004 Porsche 996 is the ultimate Miata. And they're cheap right now. If you told me cars would actually go up in value ten years ago I would have laughed in your face but if you told me Porsches would depreciate an annoyingly small amount I would have agreed because Porsche people are like the Apple people of old - they hang onto their shit until it's completely obsolete. And cars don't get obsolete. Go drive one. I've hated Porsches my entire life but once I took one around the block I started to understand. by the time I'd done a few hundred miles of the PCH I was in awe. They're just great little cars. $90k great? Well, I don't think anything is $90k great. $20k great? hell to the yes.
I have loved Porsches my whole life. There may be some day when my magical internet money allows me to make the jump... but until then - I will keep paying off the mortgage and feeding little mongrel faces. (but I thank you for the 996 tip... I'll take a look)
2001 Porsche 996: $23500 2014 Miata: $24600 Just sayin'. When the old Miata needs to make way for a new Miata, check out the German Miatas. They're pretty goddamn delightful.
I'm tellin' ya. Few things: 1) the '02 revamp has fewer engine problems. The engine problems associated with the 996 are pretty overblown (real failure rate is less than 5%) but the engine problems associated with the 996 are no laughing matter (real failure mode is catastrophic and terminal). It also has prettier headlights. 2) the intermediate shaft bearing needs to be done when the clutch is done. Everyone freaks balls about IMS failure but realistically speaking, if the car needs a clutch, it needs an IMS bearing. If it had a new clutch without a new IMS, it still needs an IMS. 3) It's really fucking easy to put a stereo in them. 4) Insurance and registration is appallingly cheap. Apparently the insurance companies have figured out that the median Porsche driver is a 65-year-old dentist. 5) 911 drivers, just like motorcyclists, wave at each other.