The current statistics reveal that a big number of vehicles on the road have a negative history. The most common type of fraud is the mileage rollback in the selling of used cars. However, the buyers have the choice to detect mileage fraud. The simplest method of avoiding mileage fraud is seeing the vehicle history report for mileage inconsistencies.
A car with a history of impairment or mileage rollback shows a high risk for the consumer which directly impacts the residual cost, practicality, value, durability and even the public road safety. The poor economic development has made the used car market grow considerably over the time. Buyers usually make investments which are not financially high but they forget the risk which is included in used cars. The increase in use and buying of second hand cars showcases the need for buyers to battle vehicle fraud in order to make safe long-term buying feasible.
Below, CarSwitch will make you understand mileage fraud so that you never become a victim of it. Although odometer fraud is complex to observe for a simple person, it is not an impossible thing. For buying used cars in UAE, visit our website CarSwitch for the best deals.
How to detect Odometer fraud
1- See the inspection records
The first method to observe odometer rollback fraud is by comparing the mileage on the odometer with the mileage number on the car maintenance or inspection records. The inspections and reparations usually record the mileage number. If these readings show inconsistencies in official documents, it will detect odometer fraud.
Each receipt of the service history documents should have mileage and date written. Follow the history report to see if the present mileage is appropriate according to the seller’s last track record of usage.
Keep an eye out for suspicious gaps in dates or mileage which might be consistent with the odometer tampering. It might also detect another dangerous problem of inferior maintenance habits.
2- See the original certificate of title
Compare the recorded mileage on the title with the present Odometer reading to determine if there are any inconsistencies. If it’s a photocopy, the mileage reading should be readable and the font should be consistent. New certificates or out-of-state sales can point to the condition of title washing.
3- Check the car’s condition
Control the damage of the car. For instance, tires, gas and brakes to see if these are punctual with the mileage number shown on the odometer. A vehicle displaying the mileage number below 20,000 for example, usually still has the original tires. See when was the last oil change.
There is a sticker inside the car which usually reads when the vehicle had it’s previous oil change and it’s mileage number at that time. The cabin of the vehicle is very important.
Study the wear and usage of the wheel, pedals and gear level and compare this to the mileage number of the odometer. Check if these are consistent.
4- Read the odometer
If the car has a conventional mechanical odometer, determine if the numbers are completely readable and aligned accurately. Numbers which include gaps or crooked numbers are usually a sign of odometer fraud.
Research about the amount of last owners which the vehicle had and compare this amount with the mileage indication. A high number of last car owners may point out to odometer or other kinds of fraud. The amount of last owners is a feature which can be found in car history reports.
Furthermore, car history reports determine the average mileage of the car depending on model, automaker, vehicle age and fuel type, as a distinct sign of usage.
5- Get a mechanic to inspect the vehicle
Undoubtedly, parts that are replaced which usually do not have to be replaced, dash screws, and scratches on the odometer are an indication of mileage rollback. This is why a mechanic should be hired to examine the car.
It can be difficult to make sure if the odometer has actually been filled back or not. If you get a gut feeling that something isn’t right but you can not understand what’s wrong, this is when you should do a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic.
