New to the forum- and looking for advice buying 2nd hand

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Ok so first time poster and first time bike shopper, so a hearth felt hello to everyone on the boards.
I have never been on a bike in my life(much to the disappointment of my dad who biked from the age of 14..the good old days when rules wernt rules he says), but have sorted out my provisional licence and am booked in for lessons.
I have got my eye on a bike and its a marauder, it seams like a good starter bike and looks great to.

So my question is regarding buying second hand. Is there anything I should look out for with this model of bike, is there any mileage i should be looking for or looking to avoid. is to much bad or to little suspect? any rattles or noises i should look out for?
also general wear and tear, is there any part of the bike that take more abuse than the rest?

Any advice would be great. there is a few on offer in my general area.

Im going to see one tomorrow:
2001 Suzuki GZ Marauder 250cc.
15,000 miles.
Kept in garage.

When i contacted him i asked a few questions about damage and so forth:
The bike is in perfect condition mechanically. It has a couple of minor scratches (really minor, 20 cents coin size) on the right handside.
It was serviced last week but it doesn't have a log.

20 cent(euro cent that is) sized scratches sounds to me like it was dropped, but i wont be able to know untill i see.
the thing that worries me is that "It was serviced last week but it doesn't have a log" would that be a normal occurance?

Sorry for the long first post, but id love to hear your comments and suggestions.

Kev