[scottmandue]

I have never owned a 911 but I too lust after "the affordable 996"... Boxsters are coming down in price too.

Because I'm a poor white boy I opted to try the Miata experience... I have dubbed mine the tinymobile when properly set up (pardon the pun) they are great fun and very tossable... I read somewhere that there are more Miata's racing/autocrossing than any other make of automobile. The aftermarket is insane, any part you can imagine can be had from multiple vendors and multiple levels of quality (Cheap Chinese knock offs, original Mazda, fancy CF racing stuff)
However tiny has it's drawbacks... getting my ham sized fists into some of tight corners can make it a bit of a challenge to work on... as is hauling my fat old butt in and out of the drivers seat.

I do see me selling the Miata and getting something with a little creature comforts a few years down the road.