 I had never had a sports car, despite my being a car guy.  They were always too impractical.  But I saw this car at a local dealer, drove it, and fell in love.  It is like a perfect vintage car, with Japanese reliability, but with wonderful sounds, sensations, and fun.  This car makes running errands a joy.  Stuff to consider:  1) This is an extra car, and it needs to be driven 60-80 miles a week to keep charged.  Failure to hold a charge has been my only real problem, and I have found that a battery tender (20 bucks) is very useful.   I have replaced the battery provided by the dealer  with a premium one, and while the problem still exists, the situation is much better. 2) I love the hardtop, because around here, near Philadelphia, it gets cold in the winter.  I stay away from the snow, but otherwise use it regularly.  I bought Michelin all-weathers, and they work fine. 3) Driving on the freeways/Interstates, etc., is not what the car is for. It's okay, but if that's your movie, get something else. 4) Apparently, the average age of a Mazda buyer is 60.  Partly this is because people can't drive stick any more, and I have had friends who have had bad experiences with parking lot attendants.  Apparently, then, this is a car from another age. Sad, but, meanwhile, I'm a happy camper.