I had to answer this question for myself, because Miatas were outside of my budget (3000€), and a bit rare to find in the first place where I live (France).
I went with a 1st gen Mini Cooper (2001 to 2006). So far it has been the perfect car to learn on, because I went with a working one and did the basic maintenance plus a few not-too-hard parts that needed replacement (of course your luck can vary, I'm very lucky that the one I chose was in a very good shape).
Why a Mini Cooper? My criterias were (1) a fun car, and by that I mean a 100+hp compact car around 10:1 ratio (2) of course the budget, 3000€ (3) the "fun car" part pretty much guarantees it, but good community support (4) I need to fit in it (I'm tall at 1.88m) and (5) must be Euro 2 or better (so pretty much a gas year 2000 or after car)
Compared to the Miata, it's probably a bit less fun to drive, and a bit harder to work on (everything is super compact in the engine bay), but you get a hard-top and small back seats, which to me means more space to put stuff. I actually carry most of my tools in my trunk all the time and work ... wherever I am. I've spent more time working on my car at my parents or in-laws than in my own garage (which isn't super great to work from).
I have to say I don't regret that choice. As for filming (I do record and did a Youtube channel about my tribulations, though nowhere near this course quality), interior has not been a big issue. Filming under the car while working on jackstands is pretty much impossible though (I'd need to buy a wide angle GoPro and more lights to even entertain a passable quality).
Important note: if you go for a Mini Cooper, prefer a 2005 or 2006 year model (post-facelift) if you go for a 1st gen. Going for a 2nd gen is not advised as they have tons of engine issues, and starting with engine work is not a great idea.
My father did an car maintenance course in the 90s with his Mini City (like this one[1]), which involved taking the car apart and reassembling much like in the OP's video course. He said it was a very valuable experience, and that the Mini was the perfect car to learn on as all the parts were easily accessible and uncomplicated in design.
I went with a 1st gen Mini Cooper (2001 to 2006). So far it has been the perfect car to learn on, because I went with a working one and did the basic maintenance plus a few not-too-hard parts that needed replacement (of course your luck can vary, I'm very lucky that the one I chose was in a very good shape).
Why a Mini Cooper? My criterias were (1) a fun car, and by that I mean a 100+hp compact car around 10:1 ratio (2) of course the budget, 3000€ (3) the "fun car" part pretty much guarantees it, but good community support (4) I need to fit in it (I'm tall at 1.88m) and (5) must be Euro 2 or better (so pretty much a gas year 2000 or after car)
Compared to the Miata, it's probably a bit less fun to drive, and a bit harder to work on (everything is super compact in the engine bay), but you get a hard-top and small back seats, which to me means more space to put stuff. I actually carry most of my tools in my trunk all the time and work ... wherever I am. I've spent more time working on my car at my parents or in-laws than in my own garage (which isn't super great to work from).
I have to say I don't regret that choice. As for filming (I do record and did a Youtube channel about my tribulations, though nowhere near this course quality), interior has not been a big issue. Filming under the car while working on jackstands is pretty much impossible though (I'd need to buy a wide angle GoPro and more lights to even entertain a passable quality).
Important note: if you go for a Mini Cooper, prefer a 2005 or 2006 year model (post-facelift) if you go for a 1st gen. Going for a 2nd gen is not advised as they have tons of engine issues, and starting with engine work is not a great idea.