Buying a car, whether new or used, should be an exciting experience, but it can be nerve-wracking at the same time! Undoubtedly, you’ll check the bodywork, listen to the engine, look at the tyres and take it on a test drive. However, low mileage is regarded as a selling point for a vehicle and it can be falsified, called ‘clocking’, thereby reducing the mileage and increasing the price.
In the first instance, we suggest you follow these simple tips to check if your car might have been clocked:
- How does the overall wear and tear compare to the low mileage?
- Do the pedal rubbers, steering wheel or gear knob look newer than the rest of the car?
- In older vehicles do the numbers on the odometer line up correctly? (not relevant on digital displays)
If you think the mileage on a car isn’t genuine, you can:
- Check the MOT certificates and repair documents for the consistency of mileage readings.
- Contact previous owners named in the logbook and ask what the mileage was after they sold the car.
- Get mileage information via a history check from a reputable dealer.
If you’re in the market for a used car, you’ll want to be sure to do your due diligence before making a purchase. One important aspect to consider is the car’s mileage. If the mileage on the odometer seems too good to be true, it might be – some used car dealers will attempt to “roll back” the odometer in order to sell the car for more money. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to check if the mileage on a used car is original.
One way to check is by looking for service records or maintenance logs. These will usually include the car’s mileage at the time of service, which can give you an idea of how much the car has actually been driven. Another way to check is simply by taking the car for a test drive. Pay attention to how the car feels and look for any signs that the odometer has been tampered with – if it seems like the car has been driven far more than what’s indicated on the odometer, it’s possible that it has been “rolled back.”
Conclusion:
If the car has high mileage but looks like it’s barely been driven, that’s another red flag that the odometer may have been tampered with. Finally, you can ask a mechanic to take a look at the car and see if they notice anything suspicious. If they do, they may be able to give you a better idea of whether or not the mileage is accurate. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that you’re getting a fair deal on your used car purchase.
