Make sure the frets arent too worn down and that the neck is straight. Just check all the knobs and if the output is solid and not loose. Ask them if you can plug it in to an amp and make sure it works. Honestly like the people before me stated you are gonna want to buy a cheaper guitar to just start with. I learned on a cheap 100 dollar guitar over 10 years ago and now I own a couple 600 dollar Ibanez's and a 1966 Gibson SG, which I found in a pawn shop incidently lol. It only cost me 800 and its my pride and joy. Would never get rid of that guitar. Just buy a lower priced guitar like an epiphone is a good starter guitar or even a squier, which is made by fender and see if you like actually playing. Its hard at first but you gotta just practice, practice, paractice. And ultimate-guitar is a great website to learn. Im self taught myself and I learned alot form that site. Hope that helps.