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.