Looking at a 97
 

So I've been trolling around here a little, and hopefully going to look at a 97 this week, what are some of the big things I should look for? It's got 130k on it, doesn't look like the top or rear window are torn. What areas tend to rust? Is that an issue on the older ones? Gonna bring my compression tester I think and check it, hopefully there's a lift there or local so I can look it over, I am a mechanic so I have a good idea what to look for underneath.

Welcome to the site Blkls

General rust on sub-frames and suspension components could be a problem if extensive.

Rocker panels right behind doors are normally the first to go on the body because of water running down inside if the drain tubes are not maintained open.

1) poke around the rear rockers. it may look fine but sometimes it's already rusting underneath
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1314752089

2) check the trunk. pull the carpet to see if there's any rust - water may be leaking past the soft top/rain rail

3) look at the frame rails. they tend to rust/look fucked up - this is actually not really an issue but you can bring the price down a bit ;)
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1314752089

4) alignment bolts. there are 8 of them on the car and on the last car I bought I broke off 5 out of 8 while trying to remove them. if you ever want to align your car, you need to replace all of them. $50. again, it's normal but if they look rusty you can argue etc etc

5) if the radiator plastic parts are brown, should be replaced
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1314752089

6) Check the gauge hood. Sometimes it looks fine but if you wiggle it around you may find out that all the tabs are broken
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1314752089

7) Rear finish panel is prone to cracking. Check it. It has no effect (mine has a 6" hole in it) but again, check it.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1314752089

Thanks a bunch!