That’s a useful change. On the soft-top, the trunk was the same (awkward) size whether the top was up or down.
The trunk is so deep you could probably stand a standard SCUBA tank upright.
And yes I know all about the rag top I worked for Volvo.
The problem with space a lot of people have with the Miata isn’t cargo space but driver space. There was a time when I was very seriously in the market for one until I tried test driving one and I couldn’t get the seat back far enough to where I could let the clutch up all the way. I literally couldn’t drive the thing and it’s not like I’m a basketball player or anything-- and I’m just a hair over 6 ft. I probably could have got by with an automatic, but that’s just ridiculous.
That was many years ago, so maybe they’re better now, but I still harbor deep-seated jealousy of people short enough to fit into a Miata comfortably.
I’ve never looked into it, since I fit in mine, but there’s something you can do to the seat in an MX-5 that makes it low and lots of tall people say it makes a huge different.
Thanks for all the thoughts, Dopers! I’m taking notes…just have so much to think about. 
I think I’m going to just make a list of all the car companies (within reason…), list their convertible options, and start adding notes about cost and comments from people like YOU!
-D/a
Speaking as a VW technician, stay away from the Eos. The tops leak water, are insanely over complicated, prone to failure, and expensive to repair.
VW makes some great cars, but not the Eos. The 2013 beetle convertible comes out in a month or two. I took a training course on it, and it seems very solid. Not a hardtop tho.
Thanks, Willcross. Very helpful…and disappointing. I really wanted to like the Eos.
My regular mechanic warned me away too…between the two of you, I think I need to cross that one off the list.
-D/a
(fist) BUMP!
Like any good baby, 9 months later I made a decision. I picked up a BMW 335i from CarMax. It’s a 2011, with only 10,025 miles. Loaded with almost every option.
I have no idea how to do anything with it - I need to spend some quality time with the manual tomorrow! But I’m excited.
Awesome choice!
Thanks. I was looking seriously at a new 328i, but this came in more than $10k cheaper. And I wasn’t going to get most of the features in the 328i. The 335i has the sports package, performance package, convenience package…heated front seats - a MUST here in South Florida. 
Today’s task: Configure my presets for the radio, and program my garage door opener.
And host a cookout for Labor Day weekend. Cheesecake is in the oven now.
Sweet car! I have a 97 318ic which isnt anywhere near perfect but I still really enjoy driving it.
Garage door opener works.
There are some bugs crawling around the car. Service department at CarMax is closed today, but my sales guy tells me they can bug bomb it and make it all better. So I’ll take it in tomorrow.
Many safe and happy miles.