I'd been waiting for NC Miatas to fall to under $10k, then prices shot back up but I went shopping anyway. Turns out I can't fit my 6'3" self into one comfortably, so remembering the 1st gen Mini I test drove before I bought a BMW 330Ci in 2003, I started shopping for Mini convertibles.

Ended up with a 2009 R57 JCW with 93k miles for $8,500. Timing chain & guides were replaced under warranty. After a new turbo, valve cover & gasket and turbo oil (& coolant?) lines, it passes California smog. I'll get a new oil pan gasket at the next oil change. New tires and it's great. Love the big brakes.

This is a 2nd car, so besides Gummi Pflege for the rubber trim, Würth HHS-K for the cabrio top frame's joints and magic BMW grease for the sunroof rails, I'm not spending any money on it. I've washed it, but I haven't bothered with a paint reconditioning detail or collision insurance.

Wish it was easier to get the door apart to fix a squeaky window regulator, but I'll live with it. It's cheap (well, other than $gas), fast and handles.

 

Welcome to the forum. At 6', I was not comfortable in a Miata and went with a MINI as well. I have no regrets.