Some simple things to look for when buying an electric. The biggest flaw to look for is fret over run or fret rash. That is when the edge of the fret wire sticks out past the edge of the neck. It can make sliding your hand along the neck uncomfortable. Some necks have better filed wire ends than others.
Look down the neck like you were looking down the edge of a 2X4 checking for twist. Your looking for a straight edge with no clock or counter clock wise warps. Look at the high and low E strings. Make sure they are over the fretboard and not drifting off the edge, which means the neck and or bridge is off center. Same with the pick ups. Make sure they are centered under the strings. Look at the heel of the neck where it joins the body. It should have a tight join, no spaces.
Least important are blemishes in the finish but, you might as well make sure you are getting what you pay for.
You have to factor in the likelihood of needing a setup done on your new guitar. That can add anywhere from 20 to 70 bucks.
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