How to spot a 'cut and shut'
		Because the cosmetic work carried out on ‘cut and shuts’ is often outstanding, it's usually very difficult to spot one from outward appearances alone.
	Here are a couple of tips that will help you avoid buying one of these potential death traps. Never view a car in the rain, in poor light or at night as it makes it much harder to spot flaws in the bodywork. Look for mismatched panels and colours on doors, bonnet and tailgate. These can indicate that the car has been repaired after a shunt. Look for traces of spray paint on door-handles, window seals and mouldings. This indicates that the car has been subject to a complete re-spray. The most common joins are where the front of one car, from the point at the top of the windscreen, is welded to the back of another and joins in the middle. Look around these areas for any signs of serious repair work. Inside the car, look for mismatched and badly fitted trim and upholstery. Usually the cosmetic work inside will be of a pretty high standard but it is worth having a good look.