What to look for while buying a used car

[kraqcommando]

I am in the market for a used car for my nephew; I have never bought a used car and need some advice. While inspecting the car are there any major bases I should cover or certain things I should look for that might indicate a problem in the future? I will be looking for reliability above all else, as cosmetics I can judge for my self, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Greatwars]

Other than that carfax thing and check the engine by a good mechanic if it's possible.... try to look at the condition of the tires..... seems a very simple thing but can run you an easily $700+ if you would need to replace it soon....and also how soon the next service should be scheduled... so assuming you consider car A with 60k for $9,400 and car B with 50k for $10,000 .... if the major service gonna cost me $600 and must be done at 60k, I would opt for car B coz both would cost pretty much the same.....can't think of other things right now...