In 2019 I was hunting a sporty convertible. I was looking at used Boxsters, C5 Vettes, and ND Miatas. I fell in love with the ND, and the ND2s were freshly out and were enough of an improvement over the ND1s that I bought a new ND2. It was my first new car.
I just passed 10k miles in the car, almost entirely pleasure driving. I still love driving it, but comfort is a huge issue. I recently got my E31 BMW back on the road, and I've realized how much of a penalty box the ND cabin is. I'm 6'2", 200lbs. My shoulders are wider than upper bolsters. My head sticks up above the "quiet zone" with top down, so my scalp is buffeted by wind that passes over shorter passengers. There is a lot of road noise, which I expected when I bought the car, but the car is exhausting on long highway trips. I've been driving the E31 lately simply because it is a much nicer place to be than the ND cabin.
The E31 is by no means a boat, but it isn't even in the same league as the ND from a fun perspective. I love that the ND (6 speed manual) is eager and engaging at any speed. The transmission is phenomenal. The engine has plenty of low end grunt, and loves to rev to the 7500 fuel cut. Having the E31, I'm not particularly worried about the highway driving characteristics of an ND replacement. My main concern is finding a car that is as tossable and engaging. I define tossable as fun at virtually any speed, not needing to drive in excess of the speed limit to enjoy the car. I love the power to weight ratio on the car, and don't think I'd want something with significantly more power. I basically want my ND, but like 15-20% larger. I've enjoyed the convertible, but its kind of a been there, done that thing for me. Not opposed to another though.
The car will not be tracked.
I live in the southern Appalachians, and enjoying mountain roads would this car's purpose.
For newer cars, I've considered:
718 Cayman/Boxster. This would definitely help with the comfort issue. I'd be looking for a well optioned non-S model. As mentioned above, I don't need or want significantly more power. Even the base engine will be quite a bit more power than the ND. The 718 seems more appealing to me than the 981. Reviews seem to like the steering and driving dynamics of the 718 over the 981. Coming from the ND, I'm cool with the 4 cyl engine which is the biggest gripe I see about the 718. On paper, this is the perfect car for me, but my concern lies with the car being engaging. I feel like this car will be so capable that speeds I find fun in the ND will be mundane and boring in the 718. I do like the idea of the the PDK though. An automatic that is simply does its thing, but also has the potential to be sporty and engaging. I have issues with my left knee. The light clutch pedal in the ND is no issue, but heavier clutch pedals are a no go. I recently sold a Geo Tracker simply because its very heavy cable operated clutch was giving me knee pain.
Briefly considered a newer Mustang. I quickly ruled this out because it is not "tossable" and represents a massive increase in power.
Same with the Camaro. Properly equipped, it seems like a real driver's car. Too much car and too much engine for what I want.
It seems like the 2nd gen Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ might the right up my alley. More practical than the Miata and certainly a more accomodating cabin for someone my size. It seems they've fixed the major complaint from the first gen, which was the powertrain. I see nothing but praise for this car. It should have similar power, and be tossable and engaging at lower speeds. Impossible to find right now, though.
Something like a new Supra or M3/M4 is more car than I would want.
What cars am I missing that I should consider? Used cars don't scare me and I'm capable of major maintenance. I have a company car with personal use allowed, so even if the replacement and my E31 (it will) break down, its not an issue. This won't be my primary, or even my second car. Used cars that seem to fit my bill:
986/987. I've read how "raw" these cars are compared to the later cars. This seems to be the closest to a 15-20% larger ND that I will find. I'm sure they're overblown, but IMS issues are discouraging. I'm already maintaining one German drama queen, I'm not sure I want another. If I went 987 or later, I'd likely opt for a Cayman over Boxster. 09+ eliminates the IMS bearing and introduces the PDK option, but 987.2 cars are rare and seemed to be priced at 981 levels. I've read complaints about the EPS steering feel in the 981 vs the hydro in 987. I'm pretty happy with EPS in the ND though. I'd likely leapfrog the 981 and go 718. But I've just powercrept myself into too much car.
A 996/997 911. Too much car for me. I believe to get the same feel from this car that I get from the ND would have me at triple digit speeds.
E36 M3. I'll fit and though it will have a little more, power will be comparable to the ND. The E46 could be an option, but could be approaching "too much car". There's also the whole S54 rod bearing thing. Both E36 and E46 are climbing in price these days. Not sure how tossable these are.
NC Miata. These seem to be roomier inside than NDs. I need some seat time in one for comparison. Seats being the keyword here, as the ND seats are one of my main problems. If comfort were acceptable, this seems like a good fit. I don't fit in NBs and don't want an NA. I've had seat time in a NA, but the ND has ruined it for me.
RX-8. Kind of a special case here, as I'd likely find a high mileage car with the rotary on its last legs and opt for an LFX swap.
C5/C6. Likely non Z06. Definitely a power bump from the ND. Potentially too much car.
I'm overwhelmed with choices and hoping to get some input from people who have driven both an ND and others on my list.
