Miata buyers Checklist

[— fwdtamiya —]

Yes! This is going to be kind of a mess

Don't be distracted by the fact that you're driving the most amazing car in the world, remember that you need to put this car through it paces and make sure everything is right.
NA - Check if the bottom of the rockers still has black paint. If it has been repainted, ask about it.
Check for matching body panel VINs (anyone know all the locations?)
Inspect the radiator support for bends or signs of an accident.
Check around the trunk for signs of an accident, lift up some of that carpet and check for rust too!
Look for corrosion around the battery (it's in the right rear of the trunk under some carpet)
Know the difference between lifter tick and rod knock.
If the top is down when you arrive or a hardtop is on, then put the soft top up and check for crack, rips and window condition.
Take the car onto the highway and watch for "The 65mph shimmy" or strange vibrations.
Make sure the headlights go up and down.
Make sure the headlights light up.
Make sure the brake lights work.
Make sure the turn signals work.
Make sure the reverse light works.
Make sure the hazards work.
Make sure the A/C works.
Make sure the heat works.
Make sure the power windows work.
Make sure the manual windows crank up and down.
Make sure the power mirrors work.
Make sure the cruise control works.
Make sure the radio works.
Make sure the CD player (bring a cd!) works.
Make sure the MP3 player works.
Open EVERYTHING, don't be shy.
Open the fuel lid and see if the owner ever cared enough to clean inside there.
Bring a flashlight, especially if you're looking at the car at night. Shine is down into the engine bay and check for signs of oil or coolant leaks, look under the car too, even it it still has the factory black plastic shielding, you should be able to spot signs of leaks on that or other areas under the car.
Check the "frame rails" for damage along with the rest of the underbody, as well as rust.
Make sure the car drives straight without driver input.
Watch for signs of a seized rear caliper, it can be common in these cars. (anyone know blatant signs for a first time miata driver?)
See if the owner will let you check the condition of the rubber shifter boots (under the leather one), it should only be a couple screws.
See if the owner will help you compression check the engine.
See if the owner will let you check the spark plug condition.
See if the owner will let you check the air filer condition.
Check for signs of clutch slippage.

That's all I can think of for now.