I owned a Miata before buying a 1995 BMW325i convertible. I now own a Boxster S. My experience is that German cars are very dependable and stable; aside from replacing the plastic rear window, my BMW required only standard service and replacement of worn parts during the eight years I owned it. I typically got 22.6 MPG on the medium-grade fuel. While I've only had the Boxster a few months now, I expect it too will hold up well, as long as I tend to it.
I'll also echo Deli's posit that a car you can avoid accidents in is better than a five ton barge. Think of the Titanic and that iceberg. On my way to work this morning, I was easily able to avoid a sheet of plywood that flew off a truck ahead of me and danced around the lanes. If I'd tried the same maneuver in an SUV, I would have flipped over. The car behind me had a lumber breakfast.
And, oh yes, do get the S without further hesitation. You wil have no regrets, I garontee!
