How To Determine If The Vehicle’s Odometer Was Tempered?

By Author: Andrew Richardson
Total Articles: 66
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Purchasing a used or second-hand vehicle can be a challenging process. There are various aspects that potential buyers need to consider before actually making a deal with the seller.
One of the important aspects every second-hand vehicle purchaser must check is the vehicle’s odometer. This is because there is a chance that you may end up with a vehicle that has exceeds mechanical limits title issued on it. Such a title means that the odometer has rolled over 99,999 miles on a five-digit odometer or over 999,999 on a six-digit odometer. Some vehicles may not even have actual mileage.
Regardless of what scenario you come across, there is always a way to determine tampered odometer by checking:
1- Average mileage
On average, the mileage on a vehicle is around 12,000 miles per year. Although this number can vary a little, you should have your guard up if anything claims a lot lower than this.
Make sure to raise as many questions as you can to check if the reasons offered for the low miles seem legit or not. If you have your doubts, walk ...
... away from the deal.
2- Original tires
Typically a set of tires lasts anywhere around 60,000 miles. If the vehicle in question has fewer miles but all new tires, then you may want to ask the question why. Sometimes, such a combination may mean the vehicle is a lot older than the seller is claiming it to be.
3- Check the title
Never be afraid of asking to see the title of a vehicle you wish to purchase before the transaction. As a buyer, you have every right to check the title and other documents before making the purchase. This way, you can cross-check both odometer tampering and title washing.
4- Missing or broken dash piece
You can also inspect the space near the dashboard to check for any missing screws. If you see missing or loose screws, then that means the odometer was messed with.
5- Brake wear
Another thing you can do is inspect the brake pedal and floor mat. If they look like they have been used more than normal, then the chances are that the vehicle you wish to buy has more miles than the odometer suggests.
6- Odometer alignment
You can also check the alignment of the odometer. If they aren’t straight, then that could be a sign of tampering.
For instance, General Motors often add black spaces between the odometer numbers. If you notice silver or while lines, that is a clear indication of an altered odometer.
Wrapping up
Now that you know how to determine odometer tampering, it is time to understand what the lemon law pertains to in such situations by working with the experts at Allen Stewart.
Andrew Richardson is the author of this Article. To know more about Exempt seller disclosure california please visit our website: allenstewart.com