How to sell a car with a rolled-back odometer

If the car is sold at overseas auctions, it is likely that the actual mileage will be indicated. Local "autobusinessmen," who are essentially resellers dealing in the import of used cars for resale at inflated prices, often engage in odometer rollback. Mileage is significant and affects the car's value. Sellers resort to deception to attract buyers, aiming to sell the car as quickly and for as high a price as possible. The new owner, if they decide to sell their car in the future, might find themselves in an unpleasant situation. In this article, we will first explain how to check a car's mileage before purchase, and second, how to sell a car with a rolled-back odometer if you couldn't avoid being deceived.

How to Determine if a Car's Mileage Has Been Rolled Back

There are three ways to find out if the odometer readings have been falsified:

By the car's appearance.
Using a computer through the memory of electronic devices.
By the VIN code.

Checking for Rolled-Back Mileage by Appearance

An experienced driver can easily determine if the mileage has been rolled back during a regular visual inspection. Signs that may indicate odometer tampering include:

Low mileage on an older car.

You can use statistical data to estimate the expected mileage of a vehicle, showing that a car typically drives 15-20 thousand kilometers per year on average. For a 15-year-old car, a normal mileage would be over 220 thousand kilometers. If the odometer shows only 50 thousand kilometers, there is a high risk of data falsification.

The appearance and condition of the car.

Examine the car externally. Pay attention to the windshield. If it has multiple chips and small damages, the car has likely been driven a lot on highways at high speeds. Indirect indicators of high mileage include a poorly closing driver's door (a sign it has been frequently opened/closed), faded headlights, windshield markings that do not match the car's year of manufacture, signs of rust on the body, and loose components.

Interior condition.

The wear and tear inside the car are directly proportional to how intensively the car has been used. High mileage can be identified, for example, by worn-out mats, scuffs on the steering wheel, worn seats, and buttons on the dashboard. However, mats and seat covers can be replaced, so if a car that is about 10 years old has all new interiors but shows less than 100 thousand kilometers, experts recommend inspecting the pedals. Pedals cannot be easily replaced and can indicate if the mileage has been tampered with.

You might also detect something amiss without a detailed inspection or special checks. Be cautious if a car with good claimed characteristics and a reasonable price has been on sale for a long time and has not found a buyer.

Diagnosing Electronic Devices

For "specialists," rolling back odometer readings is not a significant problem, but for every action, there is a reaction. It is impossible to completely hide tampering, and a competent mechanic can detect discrepancies. The information about the mileage can be stored in the control units of certain mechanical components. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a diagnostic check of the vehicle before purchasing a used car.

Checking the Vehicle's History by VIN

This method is cost-effective and time-saving. To verify the mileage, you don't need to involve a mechanic. Any novice can handle this task independently. You will need the vehicle's VIN code and internet access. In some cases, if the seller has listed the car for sale online, you can quickly find the car and its mileage data with a simple Google search.

There is also a more effective method. Numerous online services provide comprehensive information about a vehicle using its VIN code, including its service history and mileage data. The verification report will show the mileage at which the car was sold to the previous owner.

Как продать машину со скрученным пробегом

Imagine how the conditions of the car market would change if all sellers realized that to sell a high-mileage used car, it is not necessary to deceive potential buyers. Even such a car can be presented in a way that highlights its best features.

The first way to quickly and profitably sell a car with a rolled-back odometer is to enhance its appearance. Clean the interior, wash the exterior, clean the tires, and perform detailing (treat rusted areas of the body and polish the paintwork to a shine).

The second method involves adjusting the mileage using a computer and special software. In this case, it will be very difficult to detect the tampering. Experienced specialists know the techniques for correction that even computers can't detect.
The third method is the fastest and least costly in terms of time and money: clean the vehicle's history on the internet using the AutoVinClean service.

Advantages of Cleaning the History and Removing Mileage Data Online with AutoVinClean

Confidentiality: This helps prevent unauthorized access to personal information and protects it from potential misuse.
Protection from Fraud: Buyers often use this information for bargaining. A clean vehicle history eliminates attempts to speculate on problems to lower the car's price.
Increased Vehicle Value: Removing negative history and mileage data allows the seller to sell the car at maximum profit.
Attracting Potential Buyers: Removing the car's negative history helps create a positive impression of the vehicle and its previous owners. This can significantly increase interest from potential buyers and speed up the sales process.