Odometer fraud occurs when the mileage on a used vehicle’s title and odometer are altered. Odometer tampering is illegal. The car buyer thinks the car has fewer miles and is eager to pay more for the. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration odometer fraud costs buyers about $10 billion every year. There are a few ways you can detect odometer fraud, when buying a used car.
- Check the tires. The car’s original tires should last for about 60,000 miles, so new tires on a car with low mileage should alert you to take a closer look.
- Compare the current mileage with the odometer statement of the vehicle when car dealer bought the car.
- Look for things that indicate the mileage of the car. Oil change reminder stickers, warranty cards and service receipts will usually have the mileage noted.
- Always have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic. Ask the mechanic to look for wear on the engine, suspension and steering, as well as problems with the emissions system. These could be signs that the car has high mileage. The mechanic should also check if the odometer cover has been removed.
- Gather information about the car’s title history and previous owner’s name. DMV can provide you with this information if you give them the vehicle identification number (VIN). Don’t buy a vehicle if the title shows it was sold several times in a short period.
