According to recent research conducted by CarVertical, a car history-checking service, it has been revealed that a significant number of UK drivers, approximately 160,000 individuals, are at risk of falling victim to mileage fraud within the upcoming year.
The data provided by CarVertical highlights that out of the estimated 1.9 million used cars that change ownership every quarter, around 2.1% of these vehicles have been found to have tampered with mileage readings. This deceptive practice of lowering a vehicle’s mileage falsely can inflate its selling price by as much as 25%, potentially resulting in buyers unknowingly spending thousands of pounds more than the actual value of the car.
Surprisingly, even nearly-new cars, which are less than five years old, are not exempt from mileage fraud. The research indicates that 1.89% of these newer vehicles exhibit mileage discrepancies, with KIAs being the most prevalent among the brands, with nearly 9% of nearly-new models showing signs of odometer rollbacks. Other popular brands such as Nissan (6.84%) and Dacia (6.16%) also rank high on the list of vehicles affected by mileage fraud.
The consequences of mileage fraud, commonly referred to as “clocking,” can be severe, leading to significant maintenance issues as the vehicles may have experienced more wear and tear than indicated by the altered mileage readings. Models like Ford Transits and Skoda Octavias are among the most frequently clocked vehicles, with odometer rollbacks averaging around 76,000 miles.
Vehicles with mileages exceeding 155,000 miles are particularly vulnerable to mileage fraud, as CarVertical’s research found that 4.7% of vehicles falling within the range of 155,000 to 186,000 miles had been subjected to clocking, compared to only 1.6% of vehicles with mileages under 31,000 miles.
Matas Buzelis, a car expert at CarVertical, emphasized the critical importance of conducting thorough mileage checks when considering the purchase of a used vehicle. He stated, “Mileage serves as a crucial indicator of a vehicle’s wear and tear, but even newer cars with low mileage can be manipulated.” Buzelis recommended potential buyers to opt for a professional inspection and a comprehensive vehicle history check to safeguard themselves against overpaying for a potentially clocked vehicle.
It is essential to note that car dealers engaging in the fraudulent practice of manipulating a vehicle’s mileage can face legal repercussions under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations. Therefore, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to mileage fraud when purchasing a used car.
