Odometer Fraud: How to Detect and Avoid It When Buying a Used Car

Published: March 25, 2025  |  Author: Rab Ahmed

When I was in the market for my first vehicle, I came across a sleek-looking hatchback with a surprisingly low mileage for its age. At first glance, it appeared to be the deal of a lifetime: pristine interior, no noticeable dings, and a price tag that seemed too good to ignore. My curiosity told me to dig deeper, so I decided to run a quick used car history check. As I reviewed the data, I discovered something unsettling—the odometer readings in previous records did not match the mileage displayed on the dashboard. That moment opened my eyes to the reality of odometer fraud—a deceptive practice that can catch even the most vigilant buyers off guard.

Understanding Odometer Fraud

Odometer fraud, sometimes referred to as “clocking” or rolled back mileage, involves tampering with a vehicle’s odometer to display fewer miles than it has genuinely covered. This dishonest tactic inflates the vehicle’s perceived value and can lead to unsuspecting buyers paying far more than they should. In many cases, people notice something is amiss only after experiencing unexpected mechanical issues or discovering inconsistencies in the car maintenance records.

Recent estimates suggest that odometer tampering affects thousands of UK used cars each year, though exact figures are notoriously difficult to pinpoint due to the covert nature of the crime. An investigative report by the BBC once highlighted that mileage fraud could cost consumers millions annually, as cars with manipulated odometers command higher prices on the second-hand market. Although law enforcement and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have taken steps to combat such fraud, cases still slip through the cracks. Hence, it’s up to individual buyers to remain vigilant.

Why Odometer Fraud Matters

While it may seem like a trivial detail—just numbers on the dashboard—mileage has a direct impact on a car’s wear and tear. A vehicle that has travelled 80,000 miles generally has more potential for mechanical issues than one that has done only 30,000 miles. From the buyer’s perspective, paying for an artificially low-mileage car can lead to:

1. Unexpected Maintenance Costs: A car may require more frequent servicing or repairs than anticipated if it has truly clocked more miles than indicated.
2. Safety Concerns: Vehicles used more heavily may have critical components near the end of their service life. A brake or suspension failure, for instance, can pose serious risks on the road.
3. Decreased Resale Value: If you later decide to sell the vehicle and an accurate vehicle mileage check reveals the discrepancy, its resale value could plummet.

Local Insights and Prevalence

Even though odometer fraud is a global problem, it’s crucial to understand how it manifests within the UK market. According to a former investigator for Trading Standards, suburban areas where used car sales are frequent can be hotspots for mileage tampering. Many sellers bank on the assumption that buyers will trust a “face-value” figure without cross-referencing an official record.

Of course, not every private seller or local dealership is deceptive, but it’s important to be aware. This is where modern services like CarVet, positioned as a HPI check alternative in the UK, come into play. Such platforms supply trusted car data, allowing prospective buyers to confirm whether the mileage on the vehicle’s clock aligns with historical reports. Taking this extra step can save a great deal of trouble, especially if you’re unsure about a car’s past or if you suspect any form of car fraud prevention is necessary.

How to Detect Odometer Fraud

So, what’s the best way to spot odometer tampering before you end up with a costly headache? Let’s explore some vehicle inspection tips:

1. Scrutinise the Service Records: A well-documented service history should indicate the mileage at each visit. Look for odd leaps or drops in mileage that don’t make sense chronologically. Consistency is key—any large gaps could signal missing records or deliberate tampering.
2. Inspect the Wear and Tear: While purely subjective, the car’s overall condition should reflect its mileage. A steering wheel or driver’s seat that looks excessively worn might be suspicious on a vehicle reportedly driven only 20,000 miles. Similarly, consider the condition of pedals, gear stick, and even floor mats for clues.
3. Check the MOT History: In the UK, every vehicle older than three years must undergo an annual MOT test, which records its mileage. You can cross-check these figures on the DVLA website. If you find any discrepancies in the MOT history, that’s a red flag.
4. Use a Reputable History Check Service: This is where online tools—such as CarVet—can be invaluable. A thorough used car history check not only verifies mileage, but can also include a stolen vehicle check, accident history, and more.
5. Request a Third-Party Inspection: If you’re still uncertain, invest in a professional inspection. A trained mechanic can usually tell when parts are inconsistent with the indicated mileage.

By combining these steps, you place yourself in a far better position to avoid purchasing a car with rolled back mileage.

First-Person Anecdote: A Narrow Escape

I still remember a friend’s story vividly: He discovered a sporty-looking saloon that appeared immaculate inside and out. The seller advertised it as having 40,000 miles, which seemed surprisingly low for a 10-year-old model. Fortunately, my friend decided to pay for a vehicle mileage check before committing. It turned out that the car had registered 75,000 miles only a year earlier. That 35,000-mile gap was undoubtedly the result of tampering. If he had relied solely on the test drive and a cursory glance at the odometer, he might have ended up with a car that had unseen mechanical problems.

Avoiding Odometer Fraud: Practical Advice

While detecting fraud is vital, prevention is always better than cure. These car buying advice tips can help you steer clear of potential pitfalls:

1. Buy from Reputable Sellers: Franchise dealerships or well-established used car outlets are less likely to engage in fraud, although it’s not impossible. Private sales can be a great way to find bargains, but the onus of due diligence largely rests on you.
2. Compare Prices: If the asking price is significantly lower than other similar vehicles on the market, that’s a sign to dig deeper. Frauds often attract buyers with suspiciously good deals.
3. Ask Direct Questions: Politely but firmly ask the seller about the vehicle’s history, including maintenance schedules and ownership details. Gauge their reactions: a vague or evasive response could be a signal that something’s off.
4. Trust Your Instincts: If your gut tells you something isn’t right, walk away. High-pressure sales tactics and reluctance to provide a thorough history are classic warning signs.
5. Opt for Thorough Documentation: Legitimate sellers typically provide service receipts, logbook information, and detailed MOT records. Inconsistencies, missing stamps, or incomplete documents should raise your suspicions.

The Role of Digital Tools in Car Fraud Prevention

In today’s digital world, you can take advantage of online resources to confirm everything from the car’s date of first registration to its accident claims. Besides official records from the DVLA, there are online platforms offering consolidated trusted car data. For instance, CarVet compiles various checks—like verifying if the car has been written off, whether it’s been stolen, or if its mileage is authentic.

Being thorough pays off. You might spend a bit more time doing a used car history check, but the reassurance it brings often outweighs any minor hassle. Also, any legitimate seller should have no objections to you verifying their claims.

Expert Opinion: Automotive Specialists Weigh In

According to a seasoned UK automotive journalist, mileage discrepancies are not just an anecdotal issue. He believes many are caught off guard because the car looks fine on the surface, especially with modern vehicles that age more gracefully. However, beneath the veneer, tampering with an electronic odometer can mask serious underlying wear.

Technicians in local garages have also observed that cars believed to have been driven fewer miles sometimes exhibit the kind of engine or transmission wear typically found in much older, higher-mileage models. Such observations underscore the need for consistent documentation and thorough checks.

Statistics for Context

While comprehensive UK-wide statistics can be elusive, a study by the European Commission some years ago revealed that a significant percentage of cars crossing European borders displayed incorrect odometer readings, resulting in estimated consumer losses in the hundreds of millions. Similarly, in certain international markets—one UAE government website once noted a crackdown on odometer manipulation—there have been reports of routine checks on imported vehicles to detect misreported mileages. Even if those figures are from outside the UK, they illustrate how prevalent and lucrative this fraud can be worldwide.

Summing Up

Ultimately, a used car’s mileage is more than just a number—it’s a vital piece of information that shapes your decision to purchase. The best defence against odometer fraud is a combination of common sense, vigilance, and the use of reliable data services. Whether you go through CarVet as a HPI check alternative or rely on another reputable provider, ensuring you have a complete picture of the vehicle’s past can save you from costly repairs, dangerous malfunctions, and disappointment down the road.

If there’s one piece of advice that stands out from my own experiences and those of friends, it’s never to rush. Take the time to cross-check MOT records, examine wear and tear closely, and run a professional vehicle mileage check. A thorough look at car maintenance records—paired with a healthy dose of scepticism—can mean the difference between driving home a reliable gem or falling victim to an expensive fraud.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and educational purposes. Always consult certified professionals or trusted resources when making purchasing decisions or performing checks on vehicles.