By Jim Grey

Rolled back” and “clocking” are automotive industry terms that refer to the al­tering of a vehicle’s odom­eter and mileage documentation. When the truth about a used car’s mileage is not disclosed to the buyer, it becomes odometer fraud, which is illegal in every state.

Unfortunately, auto experts report that it can be easy to pull off and it can be quite lucrative, since every mile rolled back can mean an extra 10 cents in the seller’s pocket.

Imagine a vehicle with 75,000 miles rolled back by only 25,000 miles—the seller gets an extra $2,500, and the buyer has a vehicle with significantly more wear and tear than expected. Mileage is a key factor in determining the value of any used car for resale

“We estimate one in 10 cars has its odometer rolled back,” said Jack Gillis, Consumer Federation of America and author of The Car Book.

Here are 10 ways to help used car buyers detect odometer fraud

1. Ask to see the title and disclo­sure statement. Compare the mileage listed with the mileage on the vehicle’s odometer. Be sure to examine the title closely to see if the mileage notation is obscured.

2. Compare the mileage on the odometer with the mileage indicated on the vehicle’s maintenance or inspec­tion records. Search for maintenance stickers on windows, inside doorframes, in the glove box or under the hood.

3. Do the math. According to the auto industry, the average driver puts 12,000 to 15,000 miles on a vehicle each year. Multiply the age of the vehicle by these numbers to get an estimated mileage range. If the vehicle falls well below the range, ask for a paper trail that confirms the mileage.

4. Check the numbers. On a me­chanical (non-digital/LCD) odometer, see that the numbers on the odom­eter gauge itself are aligned correctly. If they’re crooked or jiggle when you tap on the dash, they may have been tam­pered with.

5. Look for wear and tear on the vehicle. Especially look at the gas, brake and clutch pedals to be sure their condi­tion seems consistent with the mileage displayed on the odometer.

6. Examine the tires. If the odom­eter shows 20,000 miles or less, the car should have original tires.

7. Obtain a CARFAX Vehicle His­tory Report to check for odometer discrepancies. AAA members receive a discount on every report ordered at AAA.com.

8. Learn about the vehicle’s past life. Use the CARFAX Vehicle History Report to determine if the vehicle has ever been registered and used as a taxi, company, rental or lease vehicle.

9. Take the vehicle to a certified mechanic for inspection prior to pur­chase. Don’t take someone else’s word for it. See page 40 for a complete list of AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities and AAA-owned Car Care Centers.

10. Buy from a reputable dealer.

Dealerships, like AAA Carolinas Car Buying Service, are subject to the Fed­eral Trade Commission’s “Used Car Rule” and can be checked out through consumer agencies such as the Better Business Bureau.

For more car care tips and money-saving coupons, visit us at AAA.com/carcare.
Jim Grey is president ofAAA Car Care Center anda master technician.