Just looking at things is not good enough. At a minumin get someone to show you how to check out front end components. It usually means prying on various components. Should be done once in awhile. We have compulsory once a year safety checks here and by and large I approve of them. Nothing good about loosing a tie rod end or ball joint at speed for example. Would probably put your whole week off. Also keep an eye out for rust developing on chasis structural support points and the extent of it. Use of a pointed awl to make sure it is not really bad for example does not hurt. This was one of the problems on earlier mercedes in rust prone areas of the country.