Kevin, I'm going to make a suggestion based on an assumption...which is that you're looking to pay about $500.00 a month (24K financed for 60mths at 8%).
The suggestion is that you assume a lease off lease-trader.
- No money down
- Generous miles left
- You can drive a car that's been well-maintained by one owner and not abused and query the owner for car history
- You can walk away after a year or so, or take advantage of the former owner's buyout price. Your finances will naturally change for good or worse over time.
- Get a newer car than you could otherwise afford
- Sell your miata without having to trade-in at the dealer
- Often still have warranty
Not all cars on lease-trader make any sense whatsoever, but some do, just for example.
http://www.leasetrader.com/auto/lease/search/2002_Porsche_Boxster_Base_Style_91640.xhtml
2002 Base - 34k miles
14 months @ $505 with 0 down will give you a great evaluation period, find out if you have a keeper or something you'd be loathe to drive for five years.
Lease buyout in June 07 is 23.6
1800 miles a month - alot...
This one says "pending transfer", but may not be, as alot of them say it when they aren't (deal never went through etc.).
If you're willing to be patient, I frequently see good deals on wheels pop up here.