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Sasanka WidisingheFebruary 23, 2024February 23, 2025Tips

How to Avoid Buying a Used Car With an Odometer Rollback

Even if a second-hand car appears to be in excellent condition, there may still be problems. The mileage displayed on a car’s odometer is one of the most crucial elements in assessing its worth. Most individuals simply glance at the dash and assume that the number represented there represents the mileage the car’s previous owner logged. Odometer fraud, also known as odometer tampering, is when a vendor manipulates the odometer to make it appear as though the car hasn’t travelled as far as it actually has.

An odometer rollback is what?

The odometer can be rolled back to remove hundreds or even thousands of kilometers from the number displayed, just like any other part of a car can be changed. This reading is a crucial piece of information for potential buyers, but the odometer rollback is a scam that has been around for a long time.

An odometer rollback used to describe manually going backwards in the numbers on a mechanical device that measures how far a vehicle has travelled. Since then, odometers have gone digital. To change the odometer reading, the circuit board of the car must be removed.

How do I know if the odometer on a car has been wound back?

Physical inspection alone may not always reveal whether a car’s odometer has been tampered with. There are several checks you can make, though:

Check to verify if the car still has its original brakes and tires if it has a very low mileage.
Examine the overall condition of the car, paying attention to how well the brake and gas pedals are functioning.
Odometer reading should be compared to any maintenance or inspection records that the current owner may have.
Check the original export/deregistration certificate or get a copy from a third party if you’re purchasing an imported car from Japan.
Look for crooked, unevenly spaced, or misaligned numbers on the odometer.

Unknown risks associated with odometer rollbacks

There are several reasons why learning how to spot an odometer rollback is crucial. Customers want to buy a dependable car that they are sure will last. The amount of remaining life in a vehicle can be estimated by knowing how far it has been driven during its lifetime. Also, the amount of miles a used car has been driven has a significant impact on its value. If the odometer on an automobile has been rolled back, you probably paid more than the car is worth.

What to do if you think an odometer is tampered with?

Both the actual odometer and the control module register the mileage on newer cars. The number shown on the dash is not controlled by the control module. In some instances of fraud, the dash-mounted number will be changed while the control module still contains the correct mileage. The tool needed to check the module is one that the majority of dealerships have on hand. Ask your local dealer to retrieve the number from your control module if you’re concerned about possible tampering. Odometer tampering to falsely depict a vehicle’s condition is illegal; as such, you should always report it to the police or the provincial authority in your area.

Conclusion

To summarize, remaining cautious and knowledgeable is critical to avoiding the risks of buying a used automobile with an odometer rollover. By following the advice in this blog, you may avoid becoming victim to misleading techniques and guarantee that the number of miles on your possible vehicle accurately reflects its genuine history.

Ready to find a trustworthy used car? Look no further than our packages, which features a wide range of professional inspection services.

Sasanka WidisingheFebruary 7, 2024February 23, 2025Tips

Common Errors Made at a Used Car Dealership

Buying a used car in excellent condition and at a competitive price can be a disastrous experience if you’re not financially and mentally prepared.

On the other hand, going to a car dealership and making a purchase rank high on the anxiety. If so, it’s not so scary.

We want to make sure you get a quality car at a fair price. However, many people make mistakes when buying a used car. To help you avoid these common pitfalls, we’ve put together a handy list of used car buying tips.

BUYING THE WRONG CAR FOR YOUR NEEDS

Another common mistake when buying a used car is buying a car that doesn’t fit your needs. Buying a car is not like looking for new shoes or a new smartphone. Before you start searching for used cars, you should first calculate exactly how much you need to buy a car and create a target list of used cars based on your income, expenses, and other liabilities. Think about what is important to you in the car.

SKIPPING THE TEST DRIVE

With all the shiny used options in the dealer lot, it’s easy to look at a vehicle and think it’s right for you. However, you can see if it’s a good choice by trying the car’s pace.

A test drive is an important part of the buying process as it allows you to determine if the car will meet your needs and whether you can trust it. You can also find out how the car drives, how it handles and whether it is comfortable.

Visit multiple dealers to get a real basis for comparison. Skipping this step could end up buying a car that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.

NOT RUNNING A VEHICLE HISTORY REPORT

A vehicle history report is simply a report that contains information about the previous owners of the vehicle. These reports can be obtain online from CARFAX, VinAudit platforms. Also, we recommend you to get it inspected from a certified technician to know the current status

Whether you are buying from a licensed used car dealer or from an individual, getting a vehicle history report is an important step when buying a used car. The Vehicle History Report allows you to view the history of your vehicle. A, Contains detailed information. B, Where did the vehicle come from, has it been stolen, been involved in an accident, or have outstanding funds. This report also provides insight into vehicle maintenance history, mileage, and many other attributes.

IGNORING A CAR’S SAFETY FEATURES

If you really like the car you’re considering, you may be tempted to overlook the bigger issues by thinking it’s an easy fix or thinking you’ll fix it later. You need to check if your vehicle has airbags and seat belts.

It’s also important to make sure your used car has a reversing camera and blind spot monitoring that warns you if something is in your blind spot.

You should have your mechanic estimate the cost and use it as a bargaining tool. Not doing so will only cause bigger problems.

SKIPPING AN INSPECTION

Suppose you find the perfect car and an even better deal. Once you’re happy with the outside, check the inside to see if everything is to your liking. Test the car functions and controls to see if they work properly. Check if gadgets are working properly. Check your odometer. We also recommend requesting a service record and having a technician make sure the engine is clean and well maintained. It’s also important to know how to find a good mechanic and what to look for when inspecting a used car. If you have enough experience, you know what problems can occur depending on the year and type of car. You can also determine if something needs to be fixed immediately or if you can wait until after the purchase to fix it. Greasemonkey Inspectors is your trusted partner in hassle free vehicle purchases. Book a technician today to get an inspection onsite.