Used car SHOCK - Brits being ripped off by clocked mileage, but here's how to avoid it
HERE'S how you can avoid buying a clocked car and what you need to look out for.
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Clocked car numbers are growing in the UK, which could be potentially costly for motorists.
According to experts hpi, the number of clocked cars has increased in the UK to one in 16 from one in 20 less than three years ago.
Clocking cars refers to scammers modifying the mileage of a vehicle to increase its value.
With the move to digital mileage, many expected the practice to die out but a large proportion of cars on the road still have modified readings.
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There are around 2.3 million vehicles in the UK that are said to be affected.
Discrepancies due to the clocked mileage are rated at £800 million annually, according to cap hpi.
It can also cause a safety concern as it can alter a driver’s perception of when a car needs to be serviced.
Barry Shorto, head of industry relations at hpi said: “Being vigilant and doing a few simple checks can be very beneficial, helping to prevent the headache of buying a car that’s had its mileage falsified.
“Buying a clocked car can have both serious financial and safety implications which is why awareness is so vital.”
Being vigilant and doing a few simple checks can be very beneficial
“Our free MOT History check reveals the mileage recorded at every MOT test, allowing buyers to spot any inconsistent readings or discrepancies. It really can help to stay one step ahead of scammers.
“The HPI Check includes a mileage check against the NMR as standard.
“It also confirms whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen with the police, has outstanding finance or safety recalls against it or has been written-off, making it the best way for consumers to protect themselves from fraudsters looking to make a fast profit.”
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hpi has compiled the following hints and tips to help spot evidence of mileage falsification:
-Check the service history – look at the mileage recorded at the time of the service
-Contact the previous keeper – confirm what the vehicle’s mileage was at the time it was sold
-Double check the odometer – scammers could wind back the mileage for a viewing then alter it again before collection
-Trust your own judgement – is it 15 years old with only 20k miles on the clock? Registered as a company car and done 12,000 miles a year? Does anything about the vehicle history make you suspicious? Does everything add up?
-Consult the NMR (national mileage register) – this currently holds over 200 million records
-Check the MOT history – this will detail the mileage at each MOT test
