Auto News 5

In these uncertain times, it can't hurt to have a safety net, a backup plan in case everything goes to hell in an imported-from-Greece hand basket. For me, that safety net is a no-frills Mazda Miata. If I somehow lose this amazing gig at Automobile Magazine -- perhaps when my superiors tire of my tendency to burn food in the office kitchen or my limited parking skills -- I figure I can get a job flipping burgers somewhere and purchase a Miata. No, it wouldn't quite be like driving a Spyker C8 Aileron through a ribbon of mountain roads, but it would, I'd hope, sate my considerable thirst for automotive entertainment on an austerity budget.