I have not played my guitar for years, and don't know where to start I am going to buy a strat or tele, but i dont really know what to look out for when buying a used one. Any helpfull hints would be greatly appreciated.
Does anyone have the patience to help me out?

1. Watch out for fakes when buying used. When in doubt, maybe the folks around here would be nice enough to offer their opinion on stuff you find online (like Craigslist, etc.)

2. There are great deals to be had on new guitars too, so don't rule them out. The Classic Vibe teles Squier makes are getting rave reviews all over and are probably better deals than used guitars in many cases. For more upscale guitars the Highway 1s and American Specials are good values too. (I personally have an American Special tele that has become my #1.)

3. You're always best to go try stuff out at a store if in doubt. It's always always better to play before you buy. Stores can let you try a wide range of stuff out too. If it's been so long since you've played, it could really help you find what you want. Then, even if you don't buy in-store, you have a better idea of what you're looking for afterward.

4. Read reviews about what you buy. Musiciansfriend.com usually has good ones on the "reviews" tab of a particular piece of gear.

I'm sure others will add to my thoughts. I'm a n00b here, but have bought enough to have an idea. (Have had a similar situation to yours at one point also.)

thanks for the info.
I want to get a good American strat or tele, and dont mind spending whtever i have to, as i can always get the $ back if i have to.
what i am most concerned about is getting one with a bad neck, or something that is very major.
that's why I really need the help.

You truly can't go wrong with either a strat or a tele.

I agree with roballan. Head to your local guitar store and simply play whatever particular guitars you have interest in. It'll give you a good idea of what's out there, and you'll have a better idea as to what it is that you're looking for.

Also be sure not to "settle" for anything. If there's an aspect of a guitar that you don't like, don't buy it. It's a waste of money if you're not getting exactly what it is you want.

Don't be afraid to buy MIM or MIJ they offer great quality for the price,way better than guitars made by others that cost far more.Try some non U.S. made models and I'm sure that you'll be pleasantly surprised.

_________________
'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

how do i tell the difference between a deluxe and a standard??????

A Deluxe is about $600 more and has noiseless pickups, locking tuners and S-1 switching. Since you have been out of the loop so long I would advise you to buy new and checkout a bunch of models and go with what is affordable in your price range. Guitars have come a longway in the last 20 years and you really get a bang for your buck these days, so dont be shocked if you play something you really like and it is not that expensive.

Be sure NOT to settle on amp quality either. You won't be able to appreciate a nice guitar through a bad amp.