Just using it as a general reliability comparison. The only way I could put up mileage like that is if I continue to stalk Mark. It's a long haul from S. Ontario over to his house you know

Geez. Now I feel guilty.

Is there something I can do to make it more convenient for you?

I think you should chip in for the gas!

Adrian, you said "small", but didn't specify how many seats would be adequate. If two will do, don't consider anything other than the MX-5 Miata.

Just bought my second Mazda 3 2 weeks ago. Really enjoyed the first one. Put 105k miles on it in 3 years with nothing but oil changes, tires and brakes. Yes I drive a lot. My oldest turned 16, gave him the car and bought a new 3s with the sunroof and Bose (actually sound really good for stock) option. 17" wheels 2.5lt but no leather. It has bluetooth as well which is great if traveling alot. Paid 19200, pretty good deal. Really fun to drive.

John, I never even thought of a Miata but they're generally well above the $$ range I was considering, unless I get an older one.

I have 181,000 miles on my 2000 Honda Civic and I still drive it daily. It is both fun and realiable and gets 31 mpg. My next car will probably be a Civic as well. My boss has a Mini that is a fun car but it is too new to comment on the reliability.

Miata's are great. They're a blast to drive, reasonably afordable, and reliable. The manual transmission in a Miata is one of the best in the world. Just a joy to drive. Miata's are very good cars.

But do make sure you drive one *with the top up* before buying. My wife & I took one for a test drive one on a lovely spring day with the top down. Perfect! But then we decided to be thorough and flipped the top up. At 6' tall, I didn't fit. With the top up, I have to drive with my head tilted to the side. 6 footers can fit in a Miata, but it's all about the individual leg-to-torso ratio. I have a longer torso and shorter legs, and so I really just don't fit in a Miata.

We ended up buying a Pontiac Solstice GXP instead of a Miata because I could comfortably fit in the Solstice with the top up. The Solstice was a really fun car (RWD, 260hp, 2-seater, convertible), but we recently got rid of it. Too many problems for a car with only 40,000 miles...

Interesting observation, PeterC.

You and I are about the same size, and I also have problems "fitting" in many cars - primarily because I much prefer to drive sitting up relatively straight. Since I wear trifocals, it just hurts my neck and back to recline much and still be able to see the road through the top optic in my glasses.

I'm more interested in "comfortable" than I used to be, especially related to ingress/egress. It sucks to get old but it beats the alternative.

I couldn't have said it better myself.