What are ringers and how do I spot them? Ringers are (usually stolen) cars that take on the identity of a bona fide vehicle. Be suspicious if: There is no V5 registration document or the V5 looks like a forgery The Vehicle Indentification Number (VIN) plate is missing or has been tampered with The car has been recently resprayed There is little or no accompanying paperwork The seller becomes annoyed if you ask awkward questions Inconsistent panel gaps What are clocked cars and how do I spot them? A clocked car is so named because the clock has been wound back ­ that is, the mileage reading on the odometer has been falsified. Be suspicious if the mileage is lower than the 12,000 miles average for every year of the car's life and: The numbers on the odometer do not align The accompanying paperwork reveals gaps in the car's history, especially recent history There is excessive stonechipping The driver's seat is excessively worn There is excess wear to the carpet or floor mat on driver's side The rubber covers on the pedals are overly worn What are 'cut and shuts' and how do I spot them? A cut and shut is a car made from two or more other cars, often crash-damaged and/or stolen cars. Be suspicious if: There are any signs of recent welding, across or along the car The car has been recently resprayed There is little or no accompanying paperwork The bodywork doesn't line up or look straight The car doesn't sit at a consistent height The car lacks rigidity when driven The electrics are faulty Different-coloured panels appear when you start lifting carpets, door trim and roof lining