There are a few helpful tips for buying a second hand Acoustic guitar which are well worth remembering in order for you to make sure you are able to have what you want without wasting your money because as with anything second hand, you can end up with a really great bargain or end up with someone else's problem, and this is definitely the case when you buy a second hand Acoustic guitar.
The most important thing that will help you is to really take your time, properly test out each guitar first, and check if there seems to be any structural damage, this is important in ascertaining whether the previous owner was a careful owner who handled his guitar properly or one that was too careless with it.
Try tapping or shaking the guitar gently to see if there are any rattles as this not a good sign of a quality used guitar. When you tune the guitar, do the strings move freely through the nut and do the tuners themselves turn freely, all this is so important for making sure your second hand Acoustic guitar will sound perfect for you because once you make the purchase it is too late to then start discovering things that are wrong with it.
It is equally important that you make sure that you test all the notes from the six strings at all frets because the guitar should be in tune at all frets and there should definitely be no buzzing noise at all.
Again you must check the size of the guitar is right for you, does it feel comfortable when you play it? This is really important as you want to make sure when you are playing your guitar it is an enjoyable experience.
Another valid point which may surprise you is that an Acoustic guitar sounds very different when you are in front of someone who is playing it as opposed to listening when playing the guitar yourself, so with that in mind, it would be helpful if a friend was with you and they played for you, that way you will be able to genuinely hear the sound at its best and will know for sure whether it is the guitar for you.
You can also check the straightness of the neck by what they call fretting the sixth string at the fret where the neck joins the body and the first fret equally.
All of the above will help you make a more qualified decision when it comes to purchasing your second hand Acoustic guitar but if you are a novice still and not sure how to check thoroughly or if it sounds a little complicated for you then it would be really advisable to take a friend with you who knows about these Acoustic guitars and is very experienced in playing them, take their advice, listen to what they say, even if you absolutely love the look of a guitar, do not buy it on looks alone, always listen to the best advice.