Before starting the engine, there are some critical points that are deal breakers.

Check under the car for corrosion, check the for roughness on door hood and trunk lid edges for roughness this tells if if the car has body repairs or fully painted.

Check the exhaust tip for sticky burned oil. Open the trunk, lift the spare tire, look for corrosion or traces of mud or water marks: if yes the car was underwater. Also look for a jack and wheel tire.

With the engine cold, Check the coolant reservoir for rust stains.

Power steering reservoir with dark deposits, leaks at the front and rear engine block, If automatic transmission (not CVT), pull the fluid level stick , the trans fluid most be clear pink, smells like grass. 

CVT transmission the fluid could be colorless, green or blue, but without particles. 

With the engine on, open the oil cap, lift it slightly, it I suppose to pulse, but not blowing out. Look at the brake fluid reservoir, fluid most be almost clear and acceptable level. Front end. Check all boots for deformations or tears, observe tire wear must be even.

Check the front brakes disks for smoothness Inside the car, lift floor covers. Look for water spots, rust stains and floor voids. Test door locks, windows operation. 

If possible, scan the computer for stored codes and history. Check all the lights system. With te engine off, chech steering side to side for dead play.