[trimer]

Originally Posted by recycledsixtie

Okay somewhat deviating off topic here but say you had $18k to spend here.
You could get a used NC Miata with power hardtop or a good base Boxster or higher mileage Boxster S. If you overlook repair costs right out of the Box(pardon the pun) you have a higher horsepower car with the Boxster although we know that the Miata can be modded cheaply.

I used to have a '99 Miata and it used to get no respect. The Boxster to the public is more respected. However doing a burnout in my Boxster results in a clutch burning smell so I feel that I cannot abuse my Box too much. Too much abuse in my Box = big $$$. I still love the Miata and if my wife did not limit my number of cars I would still have a Miata and a Boxster. However I chose the Boxster and have no regrets buying it but I know service costs are and will be more....

I am not big on labels, but to me, having had them both and at the point in my life where I can afford a Porsche, that is what I go with all day long. I just think it is a bigger better built and more powerful car. I would agree that to mod a miata and track it - all day long. if you blow that thing up it isnt going to run you 20K for a new motor. But for everyday cruising, Boxster all the way. I - and ONLY MY OPINION - do not like the look of the Miata. I did when they came out back in the early 90s but Porsche didnt have the box back then so it was a great little roadster to have and very cheap to maintain. but the look of the miata just does not do it for me anymore. I love the wide tires on our cars, the center exit exhaust, the bigger motor and it just feels more solid than anything I have driven. ask me how I feel though if I ever do blow up this motor!!!