How to look out for odometer rollback when buying a used car
Quick insights
- Odometer rollback refers to reversing a vehicle’s mileage to make it appear less used than it actually is.
- To help avoid this type of fraud when buying a used car, you can check for inconsistencies in vehicle history reports and service records.
- Other ways of verifying a vehicle’s odometer reading include electronic diagnostics and contacting previous owners.
“How many miles are on it?” This is a big question when buying a used car, because mileage is one marker of wear and use.
The odometer tracks the total distance a car travels in miles or kilometers, but the reading can be altered. Sometimes, the reading is changed to be lower than the car has actually traveled to make it more appealing to potential buyers.
What is odometer rollback?
Odometer rollback is the act of reversing a vehicle’s odometer reading. This reversal makes a vehicle appear as though it has traveled fewer miles than it actually has. The point of odometer rollback is to increase a car’s resale value because mileage is tied to a car’s value.
A seller usually has the most to gain from misrepresenting a car’s mileage. However, determining who is responsible for this type of fraud is not always straightforward. Disconnecting, resetting or altering the odometer of a motor vehicle is illegal if the intent is to change the reading. Although it’s a legal matter, watching for this type of fraud can be worthwhile for car buyers.
Why is odometer rollback a problem?
A car with an altered odometer could need costly service sooner than you’d like or might expect. When buying any car, you want to know exactly what you’re getting, right? Used cars can have remarkable backstories, and mileage can help inform the choice to buy or walk away.
How to verify a car’s mileage
The simplest way to get a car’s mileage is the odometer. However, you can confirm a car’s mileage in several ways:
- Vehicle history reports: Several paid services can provide detailed, authenticated vehicle histories. Sometimes a verified history is provided complimentary during the purchase process.
- State inspection reports: Inspecting these reports can help confirm the odometer reading on a used car because the reading is required. In fact, a mechanic will typically record a car’s mileage in any service record.
- Previous owners: Registered owners’ contact information might be inaccessible when you’re looking into a vehicle’s history. Although it isn’t always an option, contacting a vehicle’s previous owners can help you verify a car’s mileage. They might at least recall the approximate mileage at the time they sold or traded in the vehicle.
How to spot odometer rollback
On a mechanical odometer, the dial would have to be manipulated physically using one or more tools. Although they’re less common now, mechanical odometers often have visual signs of rollback or interference. The numbers might be scratched or misaligned, for example. However, mechanical odometers are becoming a thing of the past, giving way to digital odometers. These may be reprogrammed with software to alter the displayed mileage.
For more concrete evidence of odometer rollback, you may need to obtain a vehicle history report or receive an electronic diagnostic. Vehicle history reports may cost money but can be useful in comparing the mileage records with the current odometer reading. A mechanic or dealership technician may have the tool available to verify the odometer’s authenticity.
What to do if you spot odometer rollback
If you suspect odometer fraud, consider taking these steps:
- Report it by contacting your local DMV and/or law enforcement.
- Gather any evidence, such as vehicle history reports, photos and service records, that indicate rollback or tampering.
- Notify the seller of your findings whether or not you purchased the vehicle. If you did, you may be able to request a refund or compensation.
- Consult an attorney if you feel it would be helpful or necessary. Odometer fraud is illegal, and you might want to take legal action.
In summary
Tampering with a vehicle’s odometer is illegal, and that includes rolling it back. This fraudulent practice inflates a car’s value by making it appear less used.
To detect odometer rollback when buying a used car, check the vehicle’s records carefully and inspect the odometer for signs of tampering. You may also be able to request an electronic diagnostic from a mechanic or contact previous owners to help verify the car’s mileage before you buy it.
