As buyers continue to look for ways to reduce the cost of motoring, used cars remain one of the most affordable routes into vehicle ownership.
However, new figure suggest an increased in the number of cases of clocking, where sellers intentionally roll back a vehicle’s odometer to make the mileage of a car appear lower than it actually is.
There are currently an estimated 160,000 clocked vehicles on UK roads and buyers overpaying by an average of 48.8% for clocked cars.
Vertu has found that searches for ‘low mileage used cars near me’ have increased by 122% year-on-year, reflecting strong demand for vehicles with fewer miles on the clock.
While low-mileage cars often command higher prices, that demand can also create an opportunity for dishonest sellers to profit through clocking.
Gareth Sentance, Used Car Sales Manager at Vertu Ford Wigan, explains what car clocking means and how it can affect used car values.
“Clocking is where a vehicle’s odometer is illegally altered to display fewer miles than it has actually travelled and remains one of the most common forms of used car fraud.
“While modern digital odometers have made tampering more difficult, the issue certainly hasn’t disappeared, and buyers can still be caught out – particularly if they are in the market for an older used car.
“Used cars continue to offer excellent value for money and remain a popular option for drivers looking to save on the cost of a vehicle. However, demand for lower-mileage cars means there is a strong financial incentive for dishonest sellers to misrepresent a vehicle’s true history.
“That’s because lower mileage can make a car appear far more desirable and significantly increase its resale value, even if the vehicle may have experienced considerably more wear and tear than advertised.
“That doesn’t mean buyers should be put off purchasing a used car, but it does mean clocking should be firmly on their radar throughout the buying process.
“Taking the time to verify a vehicle’s history and ensuring the mileage reflects its overall condition can make all the difference. Vertu dealerships provide peace of mind with all cars coming with multi-point inspection and verified history, unlike if you buy from a private seller.
“This can be the difference between securing a genuine bargain and paying over the odds for a car that isn’t what it claims to be.”
To help buyers avoid becoming victims of mileage fraud, Gareth has shared a number checks to carry out before buying a used car:
- Check the MOT history for mileage discrepancies
Every MOT test records a vehicle’s mileage, creating a timeline that buyers can use to check whether the odometer reading makes sense. Mileage should correspond and increase consistently over time in line with the vehicle’s age and use.
To check the mileage on a used car’s MOT history, ask the seller for the vehicle registration number and enter it on the UK Government’s MOT history website. The MOT record shows the mileage recorded at each test, allowing you to see whether it has increased consistently over time.
If the mileage suddenly drops between MOT tests or increases by an implausibly small amount over several years, it could suggest the odometer has been altered.
Although administrative errors do occasionally occur, any discrepancy should be investigated and questioned before purchasing.
- Compare the vehicle’s condition with its stated mileage
A car’s overall condition should generally reflect how many miles it has travelled.
Pay particular attention to high-contact areas including the steering wheel, pedals, gear stick and driver’s seat.
Excessive wear, such as polished steering wheels, worn pedal rubbers, faded gear knobs or sagging seats, can indicate the vehicle has travelled substantially further than the odometer suggests.
While some interior components can be replaced before a sale, multiple signs of heavy wear should prompt further investigation.
- Check the service history for missing records or inconsistencies
A comprehensive service history provides another valuable record of a vehicle’s mileage over its lifetime.
Each service invoice should include both the date and mileage. Long gaps between services, missing documentation or mileage figures that don’t progress logically can all raise concerns about the vehicle’s history.
Even if they don’t directly indicate clocking, incomplete records may suggest poor maintenance and make it more difficult to verify the car’s true condition.
- Pay close attention to the seller
The seller’s willingness to answer questions can be just as revealing as the vehicle itself.
Ask why they’re selling the car, how long they’ve owned it, whether they have a full-service history, and whether the mileage is guaranteed. Request to see MOT certificates and maintenance invoices wherever possible.
Vague answers and reluctance to provide documentation or inconsistencies in the vehicle’s history should all be treated with caution.
It’s also worth remembering that buying through a reputable dealership generally provides greater protection under consumer law, as dealers are legally required to ensure vehicle descriptions including the mileage of the vehicle is accurate.
For example, all used cars sold by Vertu come with a multi-point inspection, a verified history check, and a 14-day money-back guarantee, giving you extra peace of mind.
Private sales can often offer lower prices but typically provide fewer legal safeguards if a vehicle later turns out to have been clocked.
