hey mate
i bought a 2nd hand
mcs - here are my tips
1) get the chance to drive a mates
mcs around if you can. this will give u an idea of what to expect. so if ur mates car is in top notch, and ur driving around in a shaky
mcs from a dealer u know not to buy it
2) get familiar with whats under the bonnet, nuts bolts etc. - so when u looknig for a 2nd hand
mcs, u know what to spot to see if the previous owner had modded the car
3) get extended warranty.
Cheers & good luck with the purchase.