In my opinion, the one MX-5 model to avoid is a late Mk1 ('95, '96, '97) 1.6; it was detuned by Mazda from 115Bhp to 88Bhp, and it cannot be reversed.

If it is a UK 1.6 it may be the 90bhp engine rather than the 110bhp, I think, Eunos Japanese import. I found it to be a nice, free reving engine but obviously a bit down on power.

Check the sills, from the rear wheel arch to a seam beneath the doors, these rot out and cost about £300 each side to repair properly.

The hood may still be the original. Check it out well, the rear window may be plastic that discolours or cracks but can be replaced. New hoods are about £350 I think. Make sure it folds up and down quite freely and isn't split where it folds over the doors.

Check the carpet on the ledge behind the seats, this may be damp or mouldy due to blocked drains. Rain water from the hood is channelled down through drains behind the top seat belt anchorages. If these get blocked the water will soak into the carpet and eventually drop into the floor under the seats. So also look under the seats.

Check the windows wind up and down smoothly, whether handraulic or electric.

Check that the pop up lights work smoothly.

The driver's seat may be worn on the outboard bolster, but at the stated mileage I doubt it.

Look at the suspension wishbones and the underbody as a whole for rust.

Look in the boot to see that it is dry and if you can, take the cover from over the battery on the right hand side and look to see that the floor under the battery has not rotted..

Make sure you drive it, or at least have the owner take you out in it. The mileage is very low, so most stuff should still be tight. The gears should be very slick and easy and the steering should be nice and direct. Slight gear change notchyness can often be cured by renewing some seals at the base of the gear stick and some fresh oil, an easy and cheap job that takes about an hour.

The brakes, of course, should work well, but check that the hand-brake works , the rear calipers can sieze up. Have a good look at the discs to make sure they are not pitted.

These engines do best with regular oil and water changes. The water should ideally be changed every couple of years using distilled water, unless your tap water is very soft. The channels in the engine are apparently quite small so are easily blocked by calcium build up.

Finally check that everything is straight, the slam panel in front of the radiator, the boot floor etc.

Hope this helps and things go well for you, it looks like it could be a good one. Price, not sure, but if it looks good you can always haggle.