Kilometres travelled is a super-simple way to check if a used car has had a tough life, but with odometer tampering on the rise, what you see may not be what you get.
Following a spike in odometer fraud, Australian car buyers are being urged to be extra vigilant, especially with private used car sales.
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using fake profiles on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree to mislead unsuspecting buyers. This isn't just about shaving a few kilometres off the clock. Some vehicles have had their odometers rolled back by staggering amounts – as much as 200,000 kilometres in one case and a whopping 400,000 kilometres in another.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to avoid the pitfalls;
#1 Self-check the vehicle’s history
Depending on your location, checking a vehicle's history can be done relatively easily via government websites. By simply entering a vehicle’s registration number, you can access basic details like registration status and insurance history.
For odometer readings, however, you’ve got to dig a little deeper. The NSW Government lets you have a free top-line look at three annual odometer readings for vehicles registered in NSW. It costs $23 for a deeper dive into the vehicle’s history, a worthwhile investment all things considered. Victorians can get their hands on a comprehensive vehicle report for under $30.
Unfortunately, odometer information isn’t available online in every state. The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) shows if a vehicle is debt-free or has been written off or stolen, but it doesn’t cover odometer readings.
If the car you're buying has a detailed service history, then you can simply cross-reference the service record with the reading on the dashboard.
#2 Buy from a licensed motor dealer
One of the smartest moves you can make is to buy your vehicle from a registered used car dealership, which needs to adhere to strict regulations and will value their reputations.
Hundreds of easyauto123 Quality Verified™ cars have been thoroughly inspected before going on sale so customers can drive away with confidence. The ‘Quality Verified’ tag isn’t just a catchy phrase either. It is backed up by the easyauto123 7-day Money Back Guarantee and Best Price Guarantee.
Many satisfied customers often return to purchase their second, third, and even fourth car from easyauto123, a sign of their trust and confidence in the brand.
#3 Pay for a pre-purchase appraisal
Thirdly, you can hire an independent mechanic to inspect your prospective car. Using diagnostic equipment, they can detect if the odometer has been tampered with and perform other mechanical checks, albeit at an additional cost.
Buying a car should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. By choosing a reliable dealership, you significantly enhance your peace of mind and reduce the risk of falling prey to odometer tampering.
In fact, your next vehicle could be waiting for you right now — why not have a browse or drop into one of our superstores around Australia and New Zealand?