flashes that should be done , problems that could be avoided before taking it home.
any advice would be appreciated.

 

check the build date, the later it is, the less likelihood of having to have updates/recalls performed on the car :D

 

how does one find a build date?

 

Open the drivers door and look at the sticker on the door jam. But that should not be a deal breaker. My build date is 5/2003 and I have had 48,000 great miles with this car.

 

i've got my eye on a nordic green with Sport package, spoiler, cargo net and rotary accent package. it'll be nice to fit in a car again. my 2001se miata is just too small for me.

 

"thinking about buying an 05 what should I know"

Well :

06's will be out soon, so if you can wait till they are on the dealer lot, you can work a better deal on an 05.
If you want nordic green, 05 is the last year, the color is not avalible in 06 models.

As far as flashes and stuff, the dealer 'SHOULD' flash it to the most current lvl before or durring the 'purchase inspection' although who knows.

All recalls are supposed to be done before the can can be sold, esp the big HEAT RECALL!