What can the car's logbook tell me? The logbook, known officially as the V5 or registration document, will tell you the car's colour, year of registration, model, engine size and so on. Check these tally. If they don't, ask questions or buy elsewhere.
		Pay particular attention to the chassis number, also known as the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is the unique number given to the car by the manufacturer, usually shown on a small plate either on the driver's door or in the engine bay.
	If your car doesn't have a VIN plate, or it looks as though the plate has been tampered with, walk away. This indicates that the car may be a 'ringer' - a car that has assumed the identity of another, probably because it is stolen. This might also be a sign that the car has been cobbled together from a number of crashed or stolen vehicles ­ known as a 'cut and shut'. Similarly, check the engine number, which will be shown on a plate usually located on the engine block. Ensure the registered keeper's name tallies with that of the person selling it. If it doesn't, be suspicious. Check the address on the V5 corresponds with the address where you are viewing the car. If not, ask the seller why? It is far safer to view the car at the owner's address. Never, ever agree to view a car in a lay-by, service station or pub car park. The V5 will tell you how long the current keeper has owned the car. If it is a short period of time, be suspicious and ask why. It can also be worth contacting the previous owner, whose name and address appears on the V5. He or she is likely to give you a more impartial view of the car and its history. What about other paperwork? Be wary if there are only a few or no servicing receipts, repair bills and, provided the car is older than three years, MoT certificates. This paperwork provides a valuable clue to the car's history, so its absence should arouse suspicion. Go through all available paperwork carefully and don't be afraid to ask questions about it. Also cross-refer the mileage readings shown on receipts with those printed on MoT certificates. This can help verify that the current mileage is correct.