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To add to car67 should you be looking at MX-5s.......Mk1 & Mk2, I know nothing about Mk3s.
I agree ref tyres, don't think about budget ones and take care on anything but dry surfaces, certainly until you get used to the handling.
There are drains from the hood near the top seat belt mounts behind the seats. These can get blocked and cause damp on the rear shelf and into the footwells. These are easily cleared and to keep clear but can cause mouldy carpets and then rust if the water cannot drain away. Not easy to find though. A strong mouldy smell in the cabin would be a hint to walk away in most cases, there are lots of 5s out there so don't rush your choice.
Mk2s can suffer from rusty boot lids, open the boot and look around the rolled seam along the rear edge of the lid. Also the sills between the door and rear wheel arch can become rusted out.
The hood will cost around £350- £400 fitted I think, so if it looks dodgy that could trigger some serious haggling.
I doubt you will get any worthwhile (Japanese) history with an import, but apart from that I would have no qualms about having one. You may have to get some undersealing done though.
With a well maintained car the mechanicals are generally bombproof.
As for being considered a girly car, forget it, those who think that know very little about the 5.
Car67, you're doing well getting 38 mpg, I average about 35 / 36 but still not bad when having so much fun...('99, 1.8i.)
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