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Has the odometer been changed

  • By Carsguide team
  • Carsguide
image A few tips to consider before purchasing a used car.

A low-kilometre car is a good find, but how can you tell if the odometer has been tampered with?

  • Look closely to make sure the numbers line up.
  • Check the service history thoroughly for previous kilometre recordings, and make sure they match the history of the car?
  • Look for wear and tear or suspiciously new parts. For instance, worn rubber pedals are easily replaced so it’s worth questioning why such items have been replaced.
  • A worn driver’s seat is more expensive to replace and may be a warning sign of more use than the odometer suggests.
  • Excessive stone chips on the bonnet could also indicate a car has done more distance than advertised.

 

Comments on this story

Displaying 3 of 4 comments

  • I always check out the buttons and switches that get used a lot (like the A/C and cruise controls) too. If they look more worn than the mileage suggests, I wouldn’t go near it.

    Tom of Melbourne Posted on 16 July 2011 10:28am
  • ALL odometers can be changed. Analog or electronic, on ANY car. And just cause the numbers line up perfectly does not mean it hasn’t been wound back.

    Sam of melbourne Posted on 12 December 2010 4:08pm
  • What about electronic odometer? can this be changed?

    Jo of footscray Posted on 31 October 2010 8:48pm
  • I never would have thought to look at the seat for mileage.

    Deborah Gilchrist of Melbourne Posted on 06 September 2010 10:33am
Read all 4 comments

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