How to determine mileage rollback in a used car — is a comprehensive question. Is it realistic to suspect fraud? What to do with an incorrect mileage, and is it worth worrying about? All these questions are relevant when buying a car. Moreover, any used car can be sold with incorrect mileage data. But to secure yourself from a scammer, it is better to understand the topic in more detail.
Is It Possible to Determine Mileage Rollback?
Obviously, it can be recognized and the ways to determine such a rollback should be clear for everyone. There are plenty of direct and indirect signs for this:
- Direct signs- are the criteria that allow you to accurately say that the odometer is changed.
- Indirect ones show the difference between the technical state of the vehicle and the actual odometer value.
- Finally, the mileage rollback could be determined by the full-fledged VIN-check, as provided by faxvin.com.
Recognizing mileage rollback is a tricky task. The reason is the professionalism of scammers and deep knowledge of electronics. An unscrupulous seller is familiar with this, but a car enthusiast is rarely as smart as a scammer. Besides, the buyer does not always have the skills and necessary equipment. But, some criteria are quite simple.
Direct Signs
A mechanical odometer consists of drums to which a cable is connected. If the odometer values were changed, then the intervention concerns the first digits, as it is easier to change them. The criterion of intervention is the defects in the display reels. If the numbers do not line up, they get stuck or the reels do not scroll at all, then there has been an intervention.
An electronic odometer is more complicated. Intervention in their work requires opening the on-board computer. The replacement of controllers or even onboard PC solves this issue. Although then you can see that different devices of the car “say” about incorrect mileage.
Indirect Signs
Twisting the electronic odometer also requires dismantling the panel, but then there will be paint defects inside the dashboard. Their appearance cannot be avoided when opening the dashboard. However, the seller will not let you look there. Therefore, you have to look at the following indirect signs:
- The condition of the timing belt: its poor state with relatively low mileage is a sign of a rollback;
- Worn brake discs: they indicate a long driving time;
- Worn original car tires: if they are replaced on a relatively new car — this is the sign for distrusting the odometer values;
- Significant abrasions of the cabin, steering wheel, and other elements;
- Hazy headlights;
- Damaged paint body elements;
- The presence of not original discs.
Finally, you need to carefully look at the condition of the quickly wearing items. That will say a lot. However, even when there are any signs for mileage rollback, it is almost impossible to find out its real value.