You should get better gas mileage than that. I last got 19.6 mpg and I usually am in 4th gear cause I like the rpm's >3000 for the engine, but it could be even better if I tried.

food for thought, the 2009 prius is rumored to g2 of get 100mpg. The current prius has one 36HP electric motor and the 2009 model will have 2 of these motors on board.

I think I need lots of light weight goodies and high compression pistons w twin plugging and sport exhaust so I can get better gas mileage.

I wonder if a carbon fiber duck tail helps reduce drag. ;)

I like the way you think, 911ST:D

In your example, the insurance cost would probably eat up the savings difference over the 911. Also, the sales tax will take some time to overcome.

I sold my 911 about 3 years ago when gas when closing in around $3.00. I took over my 98 Toyota RAV4 while my wife went to a Minivan. (cool moves all around) The gas mileage is slightly better, but not much. However, the maintenance costs for the Toyota are nonexistent. That is the biggest difference.

I did my own work, but I was on a budget. I did as much or more to prevent problems as I did to fix them. When some things broke, I just lived with it. So I drove 30 minutes each way without AC or a radio.

If the gas prices is making you hurt financially, it might be time to let the car go to someone who can handle it. If the gas price is just something that is up in your face and a real bother, than just reexamine the math and enjoy the 911.

Wow, I leave for the weekend and find pages of interesting thoughts on the subject. Giving up a Porsche is never an easy decision, especially once you've spent a great deal of time on repairs and upgrades. I'll ponder all your insight while driving it around this summer and make a decision before the weather turns. I do agree with the idea that cars will change radically over the next five years, so it makes sense to hang on to what we have for a while.

Light, nimble, double-wishbone suspension on all four corners, rear wheel drive, 50/50 weight distribution, 30 mpg, as many aftermarket parts available as Porsches. What's not to like?

I have found that the only guys who poo-poo the Miata have never driven one. Three of my friends have purchased Miatae after driving mine, one of them after selling his silver anniversary 911 Cab.

That being said, my wife drives the Miata far more than I. I've been driving the 944S. The 911 has been sitting under a car cover in the garage for too long.

Look for the Mazdaspeed MX5 turbo model. They only made it for one year I think (2004) but they're supposedly very well-made. Turbo too so easily moddable to have respectable performance.

I actually looked at one before buying my MB (there was one in Vegas with under 7,000 miles on it) but decided to stay local.

That said, I think the new Gen-III Miatas are ugly as sin. The nose on those things is just downright awful.