Worried about mileage tempering when buying a used car? Here's how to check

Recently, there has been a furore surrounding a workshop in KL offering 'discreet mileage correction' services for a fee. Obviously, this didn't go down well with the public, as any form of odometer tampring is illegal. Regardless, this 'mileage correction' practice isn't something new in the used/reconditioned car sector.

So, if you are indeed looking to buy a used or reconditioned car, how can you tell if the mileage of the car has been tampered with? Here, we outline some real-world, practical things you can look out for. 

Also read: Tampered mileage and erased warning lights rampant in used cars, buyers beware

Maintenance records, or lack thereof

The most fundamental item one should always ask for is maintenance records when looking at a used or reconditioned (yes, why not?) car. This can be in the form of an official maintenance booklet that all new cars now come with. This will show whether said car has been serviced on time, had all its periodic fluid/coolant changes and even recall campaigns performed. 

If it is an older car, ask for receipts from the owner detailing what has been done to the car during its lifespan. Owners who take good care of their cars tend to keep such receipts in a stash (I have a massive receipt stash). Moreover, with workshop receipts (unless they're of the extremely dodgy variety) will have a record of mileage when a specific job was carried out. 

If a seller tells you that these items are unavailable, or refuses to provide you with them, that's usually a red flag. No matter how attractive the car might look, walking away is the sensible thing to do. 

Wear and tear doesn't add up

As with most physical things, a car and its components are subject to wear and tear. Of course, how fast a component fails is dependent on the driving and road conditions it get subjected to. However, there is a reasonable time frame for components to deteriorate.

For example, spark plugs can last up to 100,000 km (a general guide, can differ car to car). So, if you bought a car that has done 50,000 kms that needs new spark plugs, something smells fishy.

Similarly, I run a car that is nearly 90,000 kms and the suspension components (i.e. bushings and mounts) are still running strong. The same goes for the suspension itself. Most of the time, these components will only need replacement after 100,000 kms (in some cases, they can last even longer).

So, if you're test driving a car that has done 50,000 kms or less that feels worn, tired and a bit squeaky, there's a high chance that the mileage has been 'corrected' before.

Also read: Buying used cars: How to test drive a used car?

Conclusion

The phrase 'if it's too good to be true, then it probably is' rings very true when it comes to buying used or reconditioned cars. As a rule of thumb, always remember to bring a familiar and trusted mechanic with you when shortlisting the car of your choice. 

As for the 'mileage correction' issue, it just shows how bad this problem has become, for businesses to openly and brazenly advertise such services. Until the relevant authorities do something about it, all we can do is to be vigilant ourselves when looking out for mileage tampering.