The GTI isn't too bad out there... I think they suffer from too much weight though... that and garbage factory tires. I did a novice day where I had an experienced driver ride with me and drive my car for a lap. I saw the biggest gains when I quit "chicken braking' and actually let the car do it's job.
After driving my car, the instructor said it had plenty of power, but the tires would just give up and break loose on braking, causing the ABS to kick in. So I had to brake earlier and softer then I wanted...
I'm not sure if this is the same accident you're talking about, BadNick, but it was actually the Porsche that went out of control and plowed into the other cars...
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3197431 and the driver wasn't even the cars owner
I'd be one pissed off GT3 owner (or ex-owner)
I've been thinking about a Miata too... they are pretty cheap to get out there and run. I really recommend Grassroots Motorsports magazine, they do a lot of write ups on racing on a budget. Pretty good magazine.
Jason