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Check for odometer rollback, reported mileage readings and current mileage.
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Please check your VIN to make sure it’s valid and try your search again.
VIN must be made up of exactly 17 characters and belongs to a vehicle manufacturer after 1980.
Odometer fraud, also known as odometer rollback or clocking, is a deceptive practice where the mileage on a vehicle's odometer is altered to make the car appear to have fewer miles than it actually has. This fraudulent practice can have serious financial and safety implications for unsuspecting buyers. Here are some alarming facts and statistics about odometer fraud:
Prevalence: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is estimated that up to 450,000 vehicles with rolled-back odometers are sold each year in the United States.
Financial Impact: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that odometer fraud costs consumers in the U.S. over $1 billion annually. This is a prevalent problem affecting all aspects of the automotive retail as well as the wholesale market. On average, a vehicle with a rolled-back odometer can be sold for as much as 40% higher than its true value.
Legal Consequences: Odometer fraud is illegal and can result in severe penalties. In the U.S., the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act imposes fines of up to $15,000 per violation. In many states, individuals found guilty of odometer fraud can face criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment.
Safety Risks: Customers may be deceived into purchasing vehicles with higher mileage than displayed on the odometer due to odometer rollback. Vehicles with higher mileage may have worn-out parts and systems that may require replacement or repair. Buyers of such vehicles are at a higher risk of experiencing mechanical failures, which can lead to accidents. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that vehicles with higher mileage are more likely to be involved in crashes due to increased wear and tear on critical components.
Detection Challenges: Odometer tampering can be difficult to detect, especially if the fraud is performed by professionals. Techniques such as digital manipulation and physical alteration can make it hard for even experienced mechanics to spot the fraud.According to the NHTSA, only about 10% of odometer fraud cases are detected and reported. One of the most useful tools for consumers remains a vehicle history report, as it itemizes the vehicles reported mileage at each stage of its life.
Odometer fraud is a serious issue that affects both consumers and the automotive industry. The financial and safety risks associated with this practice are significant, and it is crucial for buyers to be vigilant and informed. Checking vehicle history reports, inspecting the car thoroughly, and working with reputable dealers can help reduce the risk of falling victim to odometer fraud.
SEARCHCarValid.com offers a comprehensive vehicle history report that includes:
Recall Information
Auction Records
Accident History
Government & Taxi Use
Lien Information
Floods
Mileage Discrepancies
Salvage History
Theft History
Odometer Records
Repossessions
Ownership History
Listing Images
Sale History
Hidden Issues
Yes. The report compares mileage records from service centers, state DMV, inspections, and auctions to detect inconsistencies and provide red flags whenever they are spotted.
You can check for odometer rollback by running a VIN lookup, which compares mileage records from DMV, service centers and inspections to detect inconsistencies.
Detecting rollback helps you avoid fraud, since false mileage can hide heavy usage, reduce vehicle value, and lead to costly repairs.
You can check a vehicle's odometer history by running a VIN report, which shows mileage records from DMVs, service centers, inspections, and auctions to detect any inconsistencies or rollback signs.
You can uncover a car's accurate mileage by running a VIN check and checking with the DMV in the state the vehicle is registered. A full vehicle history report compares data reported by multiple sources and may help identify any discrepancies or odometer rollback.
Yes, digital odometers can still be tampered with using specialized tools but a VIN report may help detect rollback by comparing mileage records from DMV, services and inspections.
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