Mileage fraud stays widespread, placing 160,000 drivers in danger

New analysis by automotive history-checking service CarVertical reveals that almost 160,000 UK drivers might fall sufferer to mileage fraud this yr.

With an estimated 1.9 million used automobiles altering palms each quarter, CarVertical’s information reveals that 2.1% of those autos have clocked mileage.

Reducing a automobile’s mileage falsely can enhance its sale value by as much as 25%, doubtlessly costing consumers hundreds of kilos.

Surprisingly, nearly-new automobiles – these lower than 5 years previous – are usually not immune.

CarVertical’s findings point out that 1.89% of those newer autos had mileage discrepancies, with KIAs main the pack, as almost 9% of nearly-new fashions present odometer rollbacks. Different manufacturers like Nissan (6.84%) and Dacia (6.16%) additionally rank excessive on the listing.

Mileage fraud, or “clocking,” can result in vital upkeep points, as autos could have sustained extra put on and tear than indicated. For instance, Ford Transits and Skoda Octavias are among the many highest-clocked fashions, with odometer rollbacks averaging 76,000 miles.

Automobiles with over 155,000 miles are notably in danger, as CarVertical discovered that 4.7% of autos with mileages between 155,000 and 186,000 had been clocked, in comparison with just one.6% for these underneath 31,000 miles.

Matas Buzelis, a automotive knowledgeable at carVertical, pressured the significance of mileage checks when buying a used automotive, saying, “Mileage is a key indicator of auto put on, however even newer automobiles with low mileage could have been tampered with.”

He suggested consumers to contemplate knowledgeable inspection and a complete automobile historical past examine to keep away from overpaying for a doubtlessly clocked automobile.

Automotive sellers who manipulate a automobile’s mileage will be prosecuted underneath the Shopper Safety from Unfair Buying and selling Laws.