MX-5 Miata

Same as with any other used car. Depending on the price, you should have it looked at by a reputable mechanic before giving them any money. Get them to write $500 as the sale price if they are willing to, so you don’t have to pay as much tax at registration.

Drove mine across the country when I bought it. Check for underbody rust, check that the trunk key open isn’t stuck. Check both sides of the wheels for pothole dents. Take the shield off beneath the engine, where you’d change the oil filter, and look at the top side for oil leaks that the seller is trying to conceal. You may want to bring your own ramps to do that part, and the wheels. While you’re down there tap the exhaust joints lightly with a ball hammer. If it has high miles, pull the oil filter off and cut it up, see if there’s any flakes in there. It’s a canister so you’ll need an angle grinder. Buy the seller a new filter beforehand. If the oil has just been changed, adjust your suspicion level to maximum.

if hard top, check that the top doesn’t have much play when closing (close halfway and jiggle). The panel between the roof and trunk will have the paint peeling on the edges - they all do and there’s no getting around it

Check if it has the Bose audio. If it does, you’ll have a slightly harder time installing an aftermarket stereo, just a good thing to know.