What do I do?

[C.A.R.]

I think if you can live with it, an MX5 is by far above any other driving experience you can ever have in a car in the same price bracket.

There is a reason why members on the MX5 forums also have 911s, RX-7s, Impreza's and other very high-powered cars. The MX5 (mk1, of course) is not fast, but it delivers so much enjoyment you will almost piss your pants giggling.

It's impractical yes, but I would have another one tomorrow if it wasn't for baby...

You can keep your Integra's, Focus ST's/RS's, Renaultsport Meganes, in fact any 'hot hatch' or indeed fast FWD Coupe, they simply don't compare - the MX5 overloads your senses to a point where speed becomes irrelevant.

Also, you now have to have a hot-hatch which has so much power it's silly before it becomes exciting. In the real world, the commuter car is a diesel. Instant satisfaction of doing great MPG. Whilst a hot-hatch or similar will out-accelerate the diesel equivalent in most situaitons, introduce a hill and your petrol car is on-par. Introduce motorway speed (60-85mph) and a diesel is superior, as the power pickup and torque is immediately available. More fun to drive? No, not by a long shot, but it serves a purpose and it 'outdoes' petrol cars on 95% of the journeys I do.

I've never missed a car as much as I have missed the MX5, as gay as that sounds. I'll disappear into your rear view mirror in no time (in fact I think my Diesel Focus would give my 1.8 Roadster a challenge...) but I will have the bigger grin on my face and ultimately that's what matters.