I get it. I'd love to have my old '88 targa back in tip-top shape, but that's not going to happen.
I(we) have had 2(3) miatas, '97, '99, and '04 factory turbo. They were all great, fun little cars. I think I'd love an ND. On the '97 and '99, I wasn't happy with the suspensions (too soft). In all 3 cars, the seats looked supportive, but weren't. I did like the suspension and handling in the MSM. I think it would be possible to upgrade to parts removed from an MSM or something similar fairly simply/cheaply. No idea if the NDs would need any upgrades since I've never been in one.
I've got a Boxster S (3.4L) and love it (It's great, but doesn't quite have the "soul" of the old targa, but then not many cars do).
Boxsters, I'm sure you know about the IMS issue. The bearings were improved multiple times right up until 2008. In the late models '08 for sure, you can't replace the bearing without splitting the case, so it's a good thing that's the best bearing out there. Then there's the issue with bore scoring and piston skirts breaking. '09 and up there's no IMS to worry about, but I think those still have the bore scoring and piston skirt breaking as a possible issue. And wasn't there some sort of issue with cars with direct injection.
I've got a buddy that recently bought 2 super low miles, early Z3s. I think one is a 1.9L narrow body, and the other is a 2.8L 6-cyl. Visually I prefer the narrow bodied cars. I've heard that there could be various issues with the Z3s depending upon the years etc....
What about MR2 or MR2 spyders?
Or the fiat version of the miata?
