1997 Ford F-150 looking to buy

A good general over all look is important. Make sure there are no leaks, check under the truck for rust (especially bed mounts if you are in an area which uses salt in the winter), steel brake lines, check the trans fluid (should be pinkish red not brown or black) check the oil, open the oil fill so you can see if the inside if the engine looks clean that would prove oil chances have been done, try all accessories, components. No matter what you do, you can still miss something. However, a good general look over is important to make sure the obvious isn't missed.

After you check it, let me know if you have other questions.

Joe