We own a 1991 Miata.
This is the most rewarding car we have ever owned period.
I have owned over 150 cars & some motorcycles. Triumphs, MGs, Jaguars, Porsches, Nortons, BMWs Etc...
The Miata is refined, fun & economical. Just check out the owner reviews at
www.carsurvey.org & www.miata.net
It starts & runs & runs & runs & runs.
Our car is a commuter for my wife & has 170,000 miles on it, runs like a champ. Timing belt with water pump @ 120,000 miles. & sparkplug wires every 30k. That's it. + 30MPG combined. ( of course Mobil 1 every 6000k & tires)
Our car is Red & shiny, people ask us if it is new!
You can modify these motors any which way you want; they are very strong & forgiving.
We are going to sell our Miata this Spring though. & buy a newer one!

p.s. Don't even consider an automatic Miata; this would be totally pointless. I drove an automatic; you might as well get a corolla.