I really think you will be unsatisfied at the end of the day, buying this car and trying to make it as fast as cars that start out >$40k is not going to satisfy most people. I honestly think that if you cannot enjoy a Miata you will end up unsatisfied with the Toyobaru (worth mentioning you can't bank on great resale value, it's average at best, you'll be out several thousands of dollars if you end up selling it). If you can enjoy the car for what it is, it's sublime, there are no true alternatives on the market imo, best of luck.
Relevant post:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...1&postcount=25