If I could've gotten over the reliability, I'd have picked the same car. But I'd have hated automatic in VW, and public transportation crosses my mind before an Miata with one. Either car, new(er), with stick would've been like
The car looks awesome. My favorite vanity plate out of one's I spotted in person: DMV SUX
P.S. Don't get a ticket. A ticket or two could cripple your young driving career. Have fun, and good luck!