Odometer: here are 3 tips to ensure it is not tampered with

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Like an illusionist who makes years of wear and tear disappear with a wave of a magic wand, some unscrupulous dealers have transformed mileage trafficking into a devious art. But make no mistake, behind this sleight of hand lies a much less attractive reality for buyers of used vehicles.

The counters digital counters

The digital age has sounded the death knell for the old mechanical counters with their pinions and rollers. Now, A simple computer and suitable software are enough to erase tens, even hundreds of thousands of kilometres in a few clicks. This ease of manipulation has paved the way for a practice that is as widespread as it is worrying.

The figures speak for themselves: according to the European Consumer Centre, between 5 and 12% of national sales in Europe are affected by this fraud, with a percentage that rises to 30% for cross-border sales. Faced with this alarming reality, vigilance is required for any potential buyer.

Fortunately, there are still ways to foil these schemes. The first golden rule is to be wary of vehicles that have been recently imported or purchased abroad; appeals are almost impossible in these cases. It is crucial to demand full maintenance invoices and, if in doubt, to ask a dealer of the brand to provide the history of visits to the workshop.

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The website Histovec of the Ministry of the Interior can also be valuable (link here) and it indicates the origin of the vehicle and the mileage records of the technical inspection (if the previous owners play the transparency card). However, even this system is not foolproof and some fraudsters manage to slip through the cracks.

Physical inspection

Physical inspection of the vehicle remains an effective way to detect possible fraud: Pronounced wear on the pedals, steering wheel or seats can indicate a mileage much higher than that displayed. These elements are rarely changed or disguised during a sale and they are valuable indicators.

If despite all these precautions, you find yourself the victim of such fraud, know that the law protects you against this type of situation. Even if the mileage is indicated as “not guaranteed”, the seller remains subject to his legal obligations: deception regarding the mileage can lead to criminal prosecution and justify the nullity of the sale on civil grounds.

If fraudulent mileage is discovered, the first step is to send a registered letter to the seller accompanied by proof of the excess mileage. If the seller is an unscrupulous professional, the threat of a criminal complaint to the public prosecutor may prove effective. The law is particularly severe towards fraudsters: not only can the reimbursement of the purchase price be demanded but damages can also be claimed if the seller was aware of the fraud.

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