986,350z, mini cooper s, etc.

[abstractness]

I am thinking about purchasing a used car to work on. This will be the first car I really work on besides minor things like oil changes and swapping out sway bars and shocks. I currently own a Lexus IS350 with 30k miles (bought new) and a s2000 ap1. I am thinking about purchasing a 986s, but what opinions on it vs a 350z, mini cooper 2, s4, ect in the price range. I do not care about reliability. I love my S2000 but it seems like it doesn't need anything done to it to fix or modify. Would you recommend the 986 for a fun car to work on for a price range of range 10k (not fixed, but I plan to get an expensive fourth car in 6-7 months).

I know working on a mid engine is more difficult, but it is one of the things that really attract me to the car. I see some 986 s for $7k with like 110k miles, but I am worried if I upgrade the LMS bearing, possibly worn clutch, tires are definitely worn, etc it will add a few thousand even if I am doing it myself and I will be looking at over 10k to get it drivable when I am starting to seed 987 for $13k-$14k which unarguably has a nicer interior. $4k means little to me