I am thinking of buying an imported MX-5 (Eunos)
Do I need to check that it has an SVA test or do I just look at the normal V5 document?

Presumably if it already has a V5 the checks would already have been done?

I have an Eunos Roadster. As Humbug states if it is on a V5 then it has already been certified.

Just to clarify, I am talking about a car that has been in this country for a few years.
I think the situation would be the same as buying a registered kit car

There were some dodgy registrations of Jap imports in the early days, quite often involving servicemen posted overseas. Do you know who the importer was? Where it was first sold from in this country? Were they a member of BIMTA?
I used to import "grey" imports and parts for them so have a little knowledge and a few remaining contacts, both in the UK and Japan.
However as in previous replies, if it has a V5 and you like it, why stir up a hornets nest by investigating?

Yes, also (as an ex-Eunos owner) I seem to remember that at one stage SVA wasn't applicable under the personal import regs. If its got a V5 just get on with it.

Goes to look for my old machine..... here she is:

thanks for the advice, that helps a lot