I like to go through "new-to-me" vehicles with a "fine tooth" comb unless I'm familiar with their service history - full fluid change & all the "tune-up" items - engine oil & filter, transmission, transfer case & differentials, plugs, plug leads, distributor cap & rotor, air filter - tires, brakes, steering & suspension get an inspection and any required maintenance that the inspection indicates is required.
This may not happen immediately or all at once, but certainly within the first few months of ownership - because I do much of my own maintenance, these checks get done as week end projects.
Sure, it may cost you a few bucks, but it could also save your life - the last used vehicle I bought was missing the steering column-to-rack pinch bolt (trust me it could not have fallen out, some sloppy mechanic had removed it and not replaced it) causing the steering to be quite "vague" - it went in the general direction it was pointed in but wandered - that vehicle was also missing anti-rattle clips from the front disk calipers (again, these are not items that can fall out accidentally) - the weird part of this is the vehicle was actually purchased from a dealership who had been using it as a fleet vehicle - the same people whose lives were at risk, were the ones maintaining it.
