make sure she aint breathing heavy for a start, take out dipstick whilst she is running, these engines should not breath at all
make sure you view when the engine is stone cold so u know she isn't knocking when cold, put handbrake on when engine is warm and try and drive off in first and see if you can hear any nasty knocking from bottom end and that u got a decent clutch, also check brake fluid level as it feeds the hydraulic clutch
check for oil leaks bottom of chain cover, behind the water pump also, bottom of bell housing
check the status of the oil to see if she has been looked after
be on the look out for blowing and exhaust fumes from the back of the engine [could be cracked manifold]
then work your way onto the steering and suspension [test drive] no nasty knocks on steering or going over bumps or accelerating and breaking
then check panels that they all line up then rot at the bottom of the doors and under the arches
also make sure the TC, ABS & EML lights come on with ignition and they all go out within a second or so
air conditioning works and switches on 🙂
more members should have some suggestions 🙂