So my mom wants a Miata...

[GregF]

Im also thinking about the TT. MMMM german....

MMM, repair shop heaven.

I knew it would be long before someone said it. 'Tis true though.

Frankly, for "older" folks who have a bit more money to spend and want a nicer daily-driver (that isn't a total track monster), the NC is the way to go. They started in 2006 and can be found relatively cheap now. The automatic doesn't suck and the manual is just as good as it was in the older cars. Bit more horsepower (167) and creature comforts/safety things.

The NC's soft top is easier to put up than the older cars. It pops up about an inch, you reach back and grab the handle, and basically push it forward. Very easy. No "throw your arm back and rip your shoulder out" as the older cars' design required.

I'm seeing NCs on AutoTrader for $12-16k that would be great for her, particularly compared to a NA/NB with aftermarket roll bar.

What about safety? I understand NA and NB arent the safest, but how about the NC? It must be safer considering the changes in safety requirements...