It is a common issue in the used car market to encounter vehicles with tampered odometer readings, making a heavily-used car appear to have lower mileage. These cars may have their odometers rolled back, along with refurbished interiors and replaced worn-out parts, creating the illusion of less usage.
In addition to basic checks, when inspecting a used car, it is crucial to consider other factors such as service history and oil change records to determine if the car’s odometer has been tampered with.
Tampering with the odometer is a common practice in the used car market. (Illustrative image)
Here are some tips to help potential buyers identify if a used car has a tampered odometer:
Monitor Distance Traveled and Usage Time
Typically, a car used for personal or family purposes covers around 10,000-20,000 km per year, while a car used for services may cover 3-4 times this distance. If a car is advertised as a service vehicle with high mileage but shows a shorter distance traveled than expected, it is likely to have a tampered odometer, making it appear newer than it actually is.
Therefore, be cautious when encountering significant discrepancies between the claimed distance traveled and the car’s age.
Request Service and Repair History
Regular maintenance is essential for optimal vehicle performance. Whether serviced at authorized dealerships or independent workshops, the car’s current condition, including frame and engine numbers and mileage, is recorded during intake.
Previous owners may retain these service records in the form of documents or photographs. When buying a used car, it is advisable to request this information, along with a maintenance history that sequentially details the mileage at each service interval.
A car without a clear service history is more likely to have a tampered odometer than one with comprehensive records.
Observe Natural Wear and Tear
Pay attention to naturally worn-out parts, such as the clutch/accelerator/brake pedals, steering wheel, gear lever, seats, function buttons, and floor mats. Over time, these parts may show signs of wear, such as cracked or wrinkled seat leather, worn pedal surfaces, faded function buttons, or old floor mats.
If you come across a low-mileage car with these parts completely replaced, it is likely that the odometer has been tampered with to make the car appear less used.
Additionally, experts recommend inspecting the exhaust pipe. Older cars often have rusty, oxidized pipes, as this component is typically made of metal, located close to the road surface, and subjected to high temperatures for extended periods.
If a car has low mileage but a rusty exhaust pipe, it may indicate a tampered odometer.
Test Drive the Car
Test driving the car will give you a feel for its performance, noises, vibrations, and throttle response. If you still have doubts after performing the above checks, consider taking the car to a reputable garage or authorized service center for a more comprehensive inspection.
While this may incur additional costs, it is the most reliable way to assess the car’s overall condition before making a purchase decision.
Look for Abnormalities
If the car has a mechanical odometer, check for signs of tampering, including scratches on the face, fingerprints, loose surrounding screws or housings, a newly replaced odometer, or scratched numbers on the display.
For digital odometers, it is more challenging to accurately determine the actual mileage at a glance. A detailed inspection using specialized tools, equipment, and software is required.
If you notice any of these signs, the next step is to have the car thoroughly inspected at an authorized service center, where they have the necessary tools and expertise to perform a comprehensive assessment.
According to VTC News
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