How to Spot Clocked Mileage When Buying Used
Mileage fraud costs UK buyers millions annually. Learn the warning signs, verification methods, and how MOT history exposes clocking attempts.
Why Mileage Clocking Happens
Dishonest sellers reduce displayed mileage to increase vehicle value. A car with 80,000 miles sells for significantly more than one with 120,000 miles. Digital odometers are easier to alter than mechanical ones, making fraud more common.
An estimated 1 in 14 used cars has clocked mileage. Average fraud inflates values by £2,000-5,000. Buyers inherit hidden wear, face expensive repairs, and lose money on resale when true mileage emerges.
Check MOT History First
MOT records provide the most reliable mileage verification. Every test since 2005 includes recorded mileage, creating an unforgeable timeline.
Mileage decreases
Any drop in recorded mileage between MOT tests proves tampering. Example: 2022 shows 82,000 miles, 2023 shows 78,000 miles. This is immediate proof of fraud. Walk away immediately.
Suspiciously low annual increases
Average UK driver covers 7,400 miles yearly. Consistent increases of 2,000-3,000 miles suggest clocking between recorded tests. Check pattern: 45k, 52k, 59k, then suddenly 62k when expecting 66k indicates 4,000 miles removed.
Irregular patterns
Jumps from 8,000 miles/year to 2,000 miles/year without explanation. Unless ownership or usage genuinely changed, this suggests mileage correction. Retired owners or company car to private use can explain legitimate changes.
Missing MOT years
Gaps in MOT history provide clocking opportunities. If 2020 shows 65k and 2022 shows 70k with no 2021 test, suspect intervention. SORN (off-road) periods should be verifiable with V5C changes.
Physical Wear Indicators
High mileage leaves telltale signs no odometer adjustment can hide. Match physical condition to claimed mileage.
Driver's seat and pedals
Seats wear noticeably by 80,000 miles. Sagging cushions, shiny leather, or worn fabric inconsistent with low mileage. Pedal rubbers smooth or worn through suggests 100,000+ miles. Brand new seat covers or pedal rubbers hide evidence.
Steering wheel condition
Steering wheels show honest wear. Shiny or worn areas on rim by 70,000 miles. Leather cracks or smooths. Recently recovered steering wheels on "low mileage" cars suspicious. Original wheels age naturally with genuine low mileage.
Brake and clutch pedal wear
Brake pedal rubber wears through center by 80,000-100,000 miles. Clutch pedal on manuals even more so. Completely smooth pedals don't match claimed 30,000 miles. New pedal rubbers suggest covering evidence.
Door handle and switch wear
Driver's door handle, window switches, and gear knob show heavy use patterns. Chrome wears off, plastic smooths down. Inside door handle particularly revealing as hard to replace. Compare driver's side to passenger side condition.
Service History Analysis
Authentic service records contain mileage entries that should align with MOT history and current odometer reading.
Stamped service book
Check every service entry's mileage against MOT records. Discrepancies prove tampering occurred after service. Missing pages or incomplete books suspicious. Full main dealer history harder to fake than independent garage stamps.
Recent major services
Timing belt changes, major services at specific mileages recorded with invoices. If invoice shows timing belt at 95,000 miles but odometer reads 62,000 miles, obvious fraud. Sellers often forget to remove old receipts.
Oil change stickers
Windscreen or door frame stickers note next service mileage. "Next service 78,000 miles" sticker doesn't match 52,000 on odometer. Check under bonnet and inside door frames for forgotten stickers revealing true mileage.
Digital System Checks
Modern vehicles store mileage in multiple electronic modules. Cheap clocking only changes dashboard display.
ECU and module mileage
Professional diagnostics read stored mileage from engine ECU, ABS module, airbag system, and other controllers. Mismatched mileage between modules proves tampering. Request diagnostic check before purchase.
Service indicator display
Service reminder systems calculate based on actual mileage and time. If service due message appears 2,000 miles after "full service" claimed at current mileage, system knows real total. Reset patterns also visible in diagnostics.
Infotainment system data
Navigation systems store journey histories and average fuel consumption over total mileage. Clever inspection of these systems sometimes reveals true mileage. Completely cleared histories on older cars suspicious.
Red Flags Checklist
- MOT mileage decreases or shows implausibly low annual increases
- Excessive wear on seats, pedals, or steering wheel for claimed mileage
- Service history with higher recorded mileage than odometer
- Recently replaced pedal rubbers or seat covers
- Missing or incomplete service records
- Gaps in MOT testing history
- Oil change stickers showing different mileage
- Seller reluctant to allow diagnostic check
- Price seems too good for the mileage
What to Do If You Suspect Clocking
Confronting sellers rarely works. Most will deny or claim ignorance. Better to walk away and report the seller to Trading Standards with evidence. If you've already purchased, you may have legal recourse.
Under Consumer Rights Act 2015, sellers must describe vehicles accurately. Mileage misrepresentation entitles you to reject the vehicle and claim full refund within 30 days, or partial refund later. Small claims court handles cases under £10,000.
Document everything: photos of odometer, MOT printouts, physical condition, service records. Get independent inspection report. This evidence supports your claim or helps police investigate fraud.
Verify Mileage Now
Check MOT history before viewing any used vehicle. Protect yourself from mileage fraud with verified records.
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