How to avoid the pitfalls

Buying a used car can be risky. After all, how do you know if it's a 'cut–and–shut' just by looking at it? You can't, but with our help, you could land yourself a real gem instead of a lemon. Here are some tips depending on where you choose to buy.

Pitfalls when buying a used car

• Clocking Where the odometer has been wound back on a high–mileage car in order to raise the asking price. Every 1,000 miles removed increases the value substantially. This is illegal.

• Examine the dashboard for worn screws; the instruments may have been tampered with. Chips made by stones across the front of the bonnet, grille and bumper can be an indication of lots of motorway journeys. (tampering will be much more difficult to spot on cars with digital odometers as these might be adjusted electronically)

• Worn pedal rubbers or a shiny, worn steering wheel should raise suspicions if the odometer shows a low mileage.

• Most cars average around 10,000 miles per year. Check that the mileage on the clock roughly ties in with the age and appearance of the car.

• The documents offer the only true proof that the car has been clocked. It's essential to check recent MOT certificates and compare the mileage recorded at those times. If you have any doubts, walk away.

• 'Cut–and–shut' This is when the remains of two or more cars, which have usually been accident–damaged and written off by insurers, are welded together, then illegally given the identity of one of the wrecks.

• The cosmetic work is often outstanding, and it's usually very difficult to spot a 'cut–and–shut' from the outside.

• For absolute confidence, invest in a Car Data Check to unearth the car's history.

• Computerised MOT - check the MOT status online

• Since the MOT system was computerised it has been possible in many cases to run an online check of MOT status and history for a car you own or are considering buying. You can also enquire by telephone by ringing the DVLA's MOT status line on 0870 330 0444