Recent research by automobile history-checking service CarVertical reveals that just about 160,000 UK drivers could fall victim to mileage fraud this yr.
With an estimated 1.9 million used cars changing hands every quarter, CarVertical’s data shows that 2.1% of those vehicles have clocked mileage.
Lowering a vehicle’s mileage falsely can increase its sale price by as much as 25%, potentially costing buyers 1000’s of kilos.
Surprisingly, nearly-new cars – those lower than five years old – should not immune.
CarVertical’s findings indicate that 1.89% of those newer vehicles had mileage discrepancies, with KIAs leading the pack, as nearly 9% of nearly-new models show odometer rollbacks. Other brands like Nissan (6.84%) and Dacia (6.16%) also rank high on the list.
Mileage fraud, or “clocking,” can result in significant maintenance issues, as vehicles could have sustained more wear and tear than indicated. For instance, Ford Transits and Skoda Octavias are among the many highest-clocked models, with odometer rollbacks averaging 76,000 miles.
Vehicles with over 155,000 miles are particularly in danger, as CarVertical found that 4.7% of vehicles with mileages between 155,000 and 186,000 had been clocked, in comparison with just one.6% for those under 31,000 miles.
Matas Buzelis, a automobile expert at carVertical, stressed the importance of mileage checks when purchasing a used automobile, saying, “Mileage is a key indicator of car wear, but even newer cars with low mileage could have been tampered with.”
He advised buyers to think about knowledgeable inspection and a comprehensive vehicle history check to avoid overpaying for a potentially clocked vehicle.
Automobile dealers who manipulate a vehicle’s mileage could be prosecuted under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
