There are advantages to buying a used car, and they can save you a few thousand pounds, but there are risks as well. Vehicle fraud, also known as “clocking”, is one of the most frequent types of vehicle fraud in the UK. Today’s vehicles are equipped with more advanced electronic systems than older vehicles, but odometer tampering continues to be an issue and may result in an unsuspecting buyer purchasing a vehicle worth much more than they think.
Knowing how to avoid being ‘clocked’, knowing the warning signs, and doing a few basic pre-lending checks can help give you the edge you need to avoid becoming a victim.
What Is Clocking?
Clocking reduced mileage on a vehicle to make it seem that it has been driven less than it actually has. Lower mileage can also help raise the car’s resale value, as it has less wear and tear for buyers to worry about.
Back then, mechanical odometers had the ability to be rolled back. Most vehicles now have digital odometers, but specialized equipment can still change the mileage recorded in the vehicles’ electronic control units (ECUs). At times, fraudsters can even clone instrument panels or alter software to give the impression of lower mileage.
The value difference may be significant. The cars may lose tens of thousands of miles; that could raise the asking price by hundreds or thousands of pounds, making it a tempting deal for a dishonest seller.
Why Is Mileage Fraud Still Common in the UK?
Although vehicle technology has improved and records are now better, mileage fraud still exists as it can be hard to spot for the average car buyer if they are not familiar with proper record keeping.
There can be multiple buyers and sellers for many used cars, and private sales of the used car can be based on trust. A buyer doesn’t need to check the official mileage records, but may choose to compare the bodywork condition, the price, or the service history. This is what fraudsters do, presenting convincing ads and creating well-preserved vehicles.
The honest seller is not going to be afraid to reveal his or her past on the car, but the buyer should also be aware that even though the car looks clean, it can have a dark history if it has had its mileage changed.
Warning Signs of a Clocked Car
No single clue proves a car has been clocked, but several warning signs should encourage you to investigate further.
Excessive Wear for the Recorded Mileage
A car with only 35,000 miles on the odometer will have minimal wear and tear, inside the vehicle. The mileage may not accurately represent a car’s age or use if the steering wheel is very polished, the driver’s seat is worn or the gear lever is faded or if the pedals show extensive use.
Natural wear is dependant on the owner, but any significant deviation from wear and mileage should be investigated.
Patchy or Inconsistent Service History
Service records should be consistent and tell a story throughout the life of a vehicle. Invoices that are missing, unexplained service gaps, or handwritten without supporting documentation might mean there’s an issue.
Review if mileage recorded on service invoices is consistent and progressive with time. If they don’t, inquire from the seller why they aren’t.
Mileage That Drops Between MOT Tests
A key indicator is when the speed recorded between MOT tests falls. If mileage has dropped sharply or increased significantly, but doesn’t reflect the expected increase year by year, this could indicate the odometer has been tampered with or that the mileage has been entered incorrectly, which should be addressed.
Before buying anything, it’s always good to get more information about it before deciding.
How to Verify a Vehicle’s Mileage
Fortunately, UK buyers have access to official records that make it easier to spot suspicious mileage patterns.
The simplest starting point is to compare the vehicle’s current odometer reading with its previous MOT records. A Car Mileage Check allows you to review recorded mileage from past MOT tests and identify whether the figures increase consistently over time. When the recorded mileage follows a logical progression, it provides greater confidence that the vehicle’s history is accurate. Any unexpected reductions or unexplained gaps should prompt further investigation before you proceed.
Don’t rely solely on the dashboard display. Compare the mileage shown during your inspection with service records, maintenance invoices, and any documentation provided by the seller. If the figures don’t align, ask questions and be cautious about any explanation that cannot be supported with evidence.
Why a Vehicle History Check Is the Safest Step
Mileage is only one part of a vehicle’s history. A car may also have outstanding finance, previous insurance write-offs, or even be recorded as stolen. Discovering these issues after purchase can be costly and stressful.
Using a comprehensive history check before buying provides a much clearer picture of the vehicle’s background. Services such as Carscheck combine official DVLA and DVSA data with additional vehicle information to provide reports covering MOT history, recorded mileage, outstanding finance, stolen vehicle records, and insurance write-off status. Reviewing this information before purchase helps buyers identify potential problems that may not be obvious during a physical inspection.
While no check can replace a thorough inspection or professional mechanical assessment, combining a vehicle history report with careful document checks provides one of the strongest safeguards against fraud.
Additional Tips for Used-Car Buyers
Before completing any purchase, take time to inspect the vehicle carefully and verify the seller’s information.
- Compare the VIN on the vehicle with the V5C logbook.
- Read the service history thoroughly rather than simply checking that a service book is present.
- Be cautious if the asking price is significantly lower than similar vehicles.
- Always test drive the vehicle and pay attention to how it performs.
- If you’re unsure, consider arranging an independent pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.
Honest vendors typically have no qualms about answering questions and offering supporting documentation. Lacks’ refusal to hand over records or rush a sale should be considered a red flag.
Final Thoughts
As is the case in the world of used cars in the UK, mileage fraud is an issue but the consumers are not helpless. You can significantly minimise the danger of purchasing a clocked vehicle by recognising how clocking works, by searching for inconsistencies and irregularities in a vehicle’s papers, by checking mileage from the MOT tests and by requesting a detailed vehicle history report.
Spending a bit more time will help you to avoid costly repairs, financial losses and resale complications. Research is always a worthwhile purchase when purchasing a used vehicle.
Also Read-Why Early Physiotherapy Can Make Recovery Faster and Easier
