Spot of window shopping - best mk2/mk2.5?

[Chris71]

I've been promising myself a return to MX-5 ownership for a while now. And I'm going to have to wait a good few months more until I'm in a position to do so, but I thought I'd brighten up this Wednesday morning with a spot of window shopping.

I've already done the mk1, so I'm tempted by a mk2 or mk2.5. Which specific model would be your pick of the bunch? How big an advantage is the six speed gearbox for everyday driving? Are there any interesting JDM specials to look out for?