Get an inspection. This tool should help https://www.quickrevs.com.au/ppsr-check . It's worth a few bucks or whatever. Unless you're really good with cars. There are things like tierods (which mechanically control steering) that could need replacing and stuff like that can cost several hundred dollars. Rearends could be leaking. CV boots could be torn. Etc. Try to get a one-owner car. All that said, once you do get a car, I would immediately change the air and fuel filters, have the oil changed, flush and refill the radiator, change the spark plugs and possibly the plug wires, and research what should be done in regard to the transmission fluid - sometimes it's good to have the fluid and filter changed in it and sometimes it's not.