When buying a used car, it’s crucial to check its mileage to get an idea of its condition and value. However, odometer fraud is a real issue that can make it hard to know the actual mileage. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to find the real mileage and detect false odometer readings. Plus, you’ll get to know how to learn more about a vehicle to have peace of mind.
Odometer Check by VIN
1. Enter VIN 2. View Report – Just Enter a VIN Number
1. Do a Free Carfax Odometer Fraud Check
One of the best ways to check a car’s mileage is to do an odometer fraud check and request a vehicle history report from companies like Carfax.
All you have to do is go to its search page, enter your VIN and email and click Go.
To obtain a vehicle history report from Carfax, head to its search page and enter the VIN or License Plate.
A report offers a comprehensive overview of a car’s ownership history, accident history, and mileage. If the mileage on the report seems suspiciously low or high compared to what the seller claims, it could be a red flag.
Alternatives to Carfax
Apart from Carfax, you can try other tools to get access to a vehicle history report and possibly learn more about the vehicle owner. Below we’ll introduce Bumper for you to do research on a vehicle.
Why Bumper?
It’s a place where you can access up-to-date vehicle history reports, compare vehicles, shop for the best auto insurance rates, get instant market value appraisal and so much more.
Bumper is a legit paid service that is committed to providing a game-changer for vehicle searches. And it’s one of the approved NMVTIS Data Providers. The information you can find in a Bumper vehicle history report can include the following information, which you might not be able to obtain from Carfax for free.
- Detailed vehicle history
- Accident history
- Sales listings
- Theft records
- Salvage listings
- Recalls
- Market value
- Vehicle safety
- Specifications and equipment
To steer clear of scams and frauds, and make an informed decision on your purchase, enter a VIN Number or License Plate.
When a report is ready, open it and look for the information that might be helpful for you.
While Carfax also provides users with comprehensive vehicle history reports, it can be pricey compared to Bumper.
Additional steps to uncover odometer fraud
1. Look for Physical Signs of Wear and Tear
Another way to check a car’s mileage is to look for physical signs of wear and tear. A car that has been driven a lot will likely have more wear on its interior and exterior than one with lower mileage. Check for wear on the seats, pedals, and steering wheel, as well as scratches and dents on the exterior. If the car looks to be in great condition despite its high mileage, it could be a sign of odometer fraud.
2. Have a mechanic inspect the car
Lastly, consider having a mechanic inspect the car before you buy it. They can give you an expert opinion on the car’s overall condition and may be able to detect signs of odometer fraud that you might miss.
How Odometers Can Be Tampered:
Odometer fraud, also known as odometer rollback, was historically simpler when dealing with mechanical odometers. However, modern vehicles equipped with digital odometers have posed new challenges. Despite this advancement, fraudsters employ sophisticated methods such as circuit board manipulation and specialized software to alter digital readings. These techniques make it challenging for buyers to trust the displayed mileage on a vehicle.
Consequences of Purchasing a Tampered Vehicle:
- Financial Loss: Buying a car with a tampered odometer can lead to significant financial repercussions. The perceived value of the vehicle may be inflated based on false mileage, resulting in an overpayment.
- Hidden Mechanical Issues: Odometer fraud often goes hand-in-hand with concealing the true wear and tear of a vehicle. Purchasing a car with inaccurate mileage can mean overlooking potential mechanical issues that would have been apparent with an honest odometer reading.
- Voided Warranties: Warranty coverage for certain components may be tied to mileage. If the odometer has been rolled back, warranties may become void, leaving the buyer responsible for repair costs that would have otherwise been covered.
In conclusion, while digital odometers have made it more challenging to commit fraud, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Employing tools like a free Carfax odometer check, combined with physical inspections and professional assessments, enhances your ability to make an informed purchase. By staying informed and aware, buyers can safeguard themselves against the risks associated with odometer tampering in the used car market.
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There’s no guarantee you’ll find the information you’re looking for with the tools discussed in this article. They all source their information from publicly available data sources, such as county, state and federal courts, government departments, and police records, and those sources may contain incorrect or incomplete data. It’s illegal to use these tools to make decisions about employment, admission, consumer credit, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. Read the Fair Credit Reporting Act to learn more....About this article
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Reviewed by BeenVerified
About this article
24 Revisions
Reviewed by BeenVerified
