Understanding Mileage Discrepancies

The Hidden Truth: Unravelling Mileage Discrepancies in Used Cars

When venturing into the used car market, buyers are often faced with a myriad of checks and considerations to ensure they're making a sound investment. Among the most concerning issues that can arise is a 'mileage discrepancy'. This term might sound technical, but its implications are very real and can have significant financial and safety consequences for any motorist. At its core, a mileage discrepancy occurs when the recorded mileage on a vehicle's odometer – the display that shows how many miles a car has travelled – does not align with the figures held in official records, such as the National Mileage Register (NMR) or historical MOT test certificates. This mismatch isn't just a minor administrative error; it can be a strong indicator that the vehicle's mileage has been deliberately altered, a practice commonly known as 'clocking'.

The scale of this problem is alarming. In 2020, HPI, a leading authority on vehicle checking services, found that a staggering 1 in 11 cars they checked exhibited a mileage discrepancy. This represents a worrying 45% increase in just five years, reaching the highest levels of fraud the motoring industry has ever witnessed. Whether you're eyeing a budget-friendly Ford Fiesta, a premium BMW 3 Series, or a versatile Volkswagen Golf, being vigilant against mileage scams is paramount. This issue is not only growing but also carries serious implications, impacting both your wallet and your safety on the road.

What is 'Clocking' and Why is it a Problem?

The practice of 'clocking' refers to the illegal and fraudulent act of winding back a vehicle's odometer to display a lower mileage than it has actually covered. This is done with the sole intention of deceiving potential buyers into believing the car is in better condition and has had less wear and tear than it truly has. By reducing the apparent mileage, sellers can significantly inflate the vehicle's market value. This deception costs motorists an estimated £800 million annually in the UK alone, according to HPI's research.

It's crucial to understand the legal nuances. While the act of physically altering a car's odometer is not, in itself, an offence, it becomes illegal when the car is subsequently sold without disclosing its genuine mileage. The illegality stems from the deliberate attempt to defraud second-hand car buyers. Selling a 'clocked' car without declaring its true mileage is a serious offence, and buyers who fall victim can face substantial financial losses and safety concerns.

How to Spot a Mileage Discrepancy

Identifying a mileage discrepancy requires a diligent approach and a keen eye for detail. The most effective way to check for discrepancies is to gather evidence that supports the vehicle's actual mileage. This evidence can be found in several places:

• Service History: Regularly maintained vehicles often have service records that detail the mileage at the time of each service. Look for consistency in these readings.
• MOT Certificates: Every MOT test includes a recorded mileage. Comparing MOT certificates from different years can reveal significant jumps or inconsistencies.
• Vehicle Registration Document (V5C): While not directly showing mileage, the V5C can list previous keepers. Contacting previous owners, if possible, might offer insights.
• Dealership Records: If the car has always been serviced at a particular dealership, they may have records of its mileage history.

When examining these documents, look for any anomalies. For example, if a car has a service record showing 70,000 miles, but its current MOT certificate displays only 50,000 miles, this is a clear red flag. Similarly, if the mileage appears to have hardly increased over several years, this could also indicate tampering.

Calculating and Verifying Mileage

To calculate a potential discrepancy, you need to compare the mileage shown on the car's odometer with the mileage recorded on reliable historical documents. If the figures from these sources do not match, or if something feels "dodgy" about the vehicle's history, it's a strong sign to walk away from the sale. Trust your instincts; if a deal seems too good to be true, it often is.

Can You Sell a Car with a Mileage Discrepancy?

The short answer is: not legally, without full disclosure. While the act of altering an odometer itself isn't a criminal offence, it is unequivocally illegal to sell a car with a "clocked" odometer without informing the buyer of its true mileage. This is considered fraud. Therefore, if you discover any mileage discrepancies during your inspection or checks, it is strongly advised to cease the transaction and look for another vehicle. Engaging with a sale where you suspect mileage tampering could lead to significant legal and financial repercussions down the line.

The National Mileage Register (NMR) and Record Corrections

The National Mileage Register is a vital database that logs vehicle mileage data to help combat clocking. You might wonder if you can change a mileage record on the NMR if you believe it's incorrect. The answer is a qualified 'yes'.

To amend a mileage record on the NMR, you must provide concrete proof that the existing record is wrong. This typically involves submitting written evidence, such as:

• Official Service History: Detailed records showing mileage at the time of service.
• MOT Mileage Checks: Certificates from past MOT tests.
• Other Supporting Documentation: Any other verifiable documents that clearly state the vehicle's mileage at a specific point in time.

Once submitted, the NMR will evaluate the evidence. If it's deemed sufficient and proves the old reading is incorrect, they will update or change the mileage record accordingly. This process is in place to protect buyers and ensure data accuracy.

What If My Mileage is Incorrect?

If you discover an issue with the mileage on a vehicle you are considering purchasing, it's imperative to understand the nature of the problem and its potential impact on your decision. A discrepancy could range from a simple data entry error to deliberate clocking. Always seek clarification from the seller and demand evidence to support their claims.

Table: Common Mileage Discrepancy Scenarios

The Challenge of Mileage Blockers

While efforts are made to track mileage, the sophistication of fraudsters means new challenges emerge. The conclusion of the provided information highlights a critical point: mileage blockers. These devices are designed to prevent mileage from being recorded or to stop it from accumulating altogether. Consequently, vehicles equipped with such devices will never show an increase in mileage on official records or MOTs, leaving no trace of the "missing" miles. This makes detecting clocking even more difficult, as there is simply no data to contradict the altered reading. This is where thorough pre-purchase inspection and relying on comprehensive vehicle history checks become even more vital.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: There is a discrepancy on the vehicle I have checked; should I buy it?
A: All mileage information provided by services like HPI is supplied in good faith by third parties and cannot be definitively validated. If you have queries about the mileage, it is best to speak directly with the seller. Request evidence to support the vehicle's mileage, such as its service history and other documentation. If possible, contact the servicing dealers or other mileage information suppliers to confirm the details. You could also consider contacting previous keepers listed on the V5C (vehicle registration document).

Q: I believe that a previous mileage entered on your database is incorrect. Can it be changed?
A: Mileages cannot be removed from databases without verifiable evidence proving they are incorrect. If you possess written information that substantiates a mileage reading is wrong (e.g., a service record or MOT certificate), please supply a copy of this proof to the relevant authority (like HPI). They will evaluate it and, where appropriate, remove or correct the erroneous reading.

Q: There is no mileage discrepancy currently indicated by the National Mileage Register; can I please have the mileages you hold?
A: No, unfortunately, to protect the integrity of the database and prevent misuse, mileages are only disclosed for vehicles flagged with discrepancies. If this information were made available for all vehicles, unscrupulous sellers could potentially use it to facilitate clocking.

Q: I have already purchased the vehicle and now find it has been "clocked". What should I do?
A: If you purchased the vehicle from a dealer, it is strongly advised to seek advice from your local branch of Trading Standards. Vehicle history providers, like HPI, are typically willing to cooperate with any investigations carried out by Trading Standards. If you purchased the car privately, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) or seek advice from a solicitor. It's important to note that the police are generally unable to assist in "clocking" cases, as it is typically treated as a civil offence rather than a criminal one, although the sale of a clocked vehicle is illegal.

Conclusion: Buy Smart, Drive Safe

While proactive measures and official registers aim to curb mileage fraud, the persistence of practices like 'clocking', especially with the advent of sophisticated mileage blockers, means vigilance is key. Always perform thorough due diligence when buying a used car. Examine all available documentation, utilise reputable vehicle history check services, and don't hesitate to walk away if you encounter any suspicious signs. Protecting yourself from mileage discrepancies is a crucial step towards ensuring you buy a vehicle that is both safe and accurately represented.

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