We rented a 2000 5 speed model in Maui for a few days on vacation a few years ago. We had so much fun with it we more or less drove all the way around the island in one day. We put 500+ miles on it in 2 days and had a lot of fun getting the tail out of line
That was motivation to buy our 97 5 speed. It's a great handling car but not as refined as the 1999-2005 cars. I imagine the 2006 being much more sublime than the 2nd generation cars. The steering was much more precise since it's rack and pinion steering compared to the benzes which feel sloppy by comparison but much better dampening. There's a lot less weight to move so I was always able to move the steering wheel easily even without the engine on and even push it on level ground and I only weigh 120lbs. Does your mom's have traction control or a LSD rear? I almost ran out of talent coming off the freeway a little too hot once and didn't apply opposite lock when the rear broke loose.
Did you buy the hardtop? Those things are quite a commodity.