Hello Chaps, (this reply is also posted in another thread)
The Z3 price drop in the USA may be attributed to the Rear Subframe failures being experienced here. I own a Z3 and a 1992 Miata and the Miata dances circles around my Z3 in performance, handling and durability.
My Z3 has a broken Differential bracket and Subframe breakage. It is happening to quite a bunch of us here, from weekend completely stock canyon cruisers to those who modiy their Z's. Tha's why I bought the Miata.
Why not join a Miata club you ask? Miata has 185,000-miles on it and no loss of compression or excessive oil usage...i just may. I do a Autocross in parking lots maybe 6 times a year and the stock Miata's consistantly beat the stock Z3's fairly easily. The Z3 only beats Miata in looks but Miatas are almost indestructable and age incredibly well.