Used car dealers tampering odometer readings

[Kangadrool]

Since there is no control over this meleage adjustment thingy, all car buyers should just use 30K annual mileage as reference guide when purchasing a used car. There's nothing really fantastic about having a low mileage car. In fact, most of the time you will still need to do the recommended scheduled servicings (which is based on mileage or period whichever is nearer).

 

More important thing is the condition of the car (which of course can be a challenge for some to assess and during short test-drive, if they allow you at all).

 

A very low mileage car is a negative trait as it's not regularly used, most likely used over short distances with many stop-starts, and most of the time, owners under service it (since most base on mileage instead of mileage or period whichever is closer).

 

[Alg]

All used car buyers please remember to verify mileage with previous owner or AD. Just do the legwork and don't take the salesman's words.

 

If cannot get info and still want to buy the car after mechanic checkup, state "Mileage cannot be verified as genuine." on the sales agreement. Add the salesman's full name and IC and sign. Ask for boss' full name and IC too.

It's a big amount of money you're paying so no need to be afraid. Take affirmative action to protect yourself.

 

ps. I like the suggestion that LTA should request, verify and print the mileage on the road tax disc upon every road tax renewal. Will help cut down all these cheating cases.

 

errrrr, so what can you do about it?

Edited July 6, 2012 by Alg

[Picanto]

Not easy to proof them telling lie. They have 101 c0ck reasons. When I sold my previous car, that dealer also adjusted the mileage. I question him :

 

1st time, he say admin clerk type wrong mileage on SGcarmart.

2nd time, he say car was sent to their workshop service and re-programmed so mileage was off.

3rd time, I dont bother with his crap excuse already.

 

My current car, mileage was low for its age. Dealer say he dont know anything abt previous owner. They bought the car as it is. I just dont bother with the mileage and did a major servicing.

 

i was wondering why the authorites are silent on this issue

[Cdior]

You don't get it? It's another way to get the salesman to take responsibility for the things they sell. Not be just a profit-seeking middleman with no value add. Document in black and white shows you mean business.

 

Any honest salesman will try to get you the info to verify the mileage and maintenence records, even if as simple as calling AD.

 

We as consumers also have to be proactive and protect ourselves. These actions matter even more once Lemon Law comes into effect in September, then with such documentation can apportion liability if things go badly.

 

Anyway, documenting such discrepancies will also force used-car buyer to be extra careful and disciplined.

 

 

he will not even want to sell u.

2nd hand mkt is so hot now.

 

[Audi655]

you wouldn't be surprised if owners temper with their meter too.

[Darryn]

you wouldn't be surprised if owners temper with their meter too.

TAMPER

[Meanmachine]

Even if you can trace the owner and he is willing to testify (Why shoud he? He just sold the car, none of his business anymore). It does not provide any proof that the meter has been adjusted by the dealer or even that it has been adjusted at all.

 

 

+1

[Alg]

Wahaha.... U wait long long.

 

U want black and white mileage not verified, they give you. Then? You found out tampered with, then? They already told you mileage not verified what! You still don't get it?

 

You know buy sell car or not??? BTW, i'm a car buyer not seller.

 

Only solution is evey road tax renewal need to lock in mileage. Every inspection lock in mileage. Car transfer that time mileage printed out in log card.

 

The most they can tampered with is half a year of mileag.

 

Understand? Simi black n white mileage not verified.

 

[Shamdin]

Has anyone succesfully won a case or reported to Case/Police regarding car dealer adjusting adometer mileage recently.

[Ezfaun]

Actually, I don't think the car's mileage is at all important when buying a used car. To me, the mileage does not represent the condition of the car in any way. As long as the car was maintained properly by it's previous owner and had no record of any accidents, then it should be fine. Basically, it's all about how well the car was taken care of by it's previous owner. If possible, avoid dealers and buy from a direct seller. They should be able to give you service records and tell you the overall condition of the car's components. The chap that sold me my ride had the courtesy to tell me that it has warped rotor discs. He even gave me brand new rotor discs and brake pads for it

[Sga54g]

Actually, I don't think the car's mileage is at all important when buying a used car. To me, the mileage does not represent the condition of the car in any way. As long as the car was maintained properly by it's previous owner and had no record of any accidents, then it should be fine. Basically, it's all about how well the car was taken care of by it's previous owner. If possible, avoid dealers and buy from a direct seller. They should be able to give you service records and tell you the overall condition of the car's components. The chap that sold me my ride had the courtesy to tell me that it has warped rotor discs. He even gave me brand new rotor discs and brake pads for it

Me too... I bought my ride from a direct seller & sent the car for STA Inspection, then do a full servicing with my mechanic. Guess the rest also a bit of heng sway lah...

[Wt_know]

you miss out one serious point

used car dealer price the car based on its milleage

 

buy in at 80,000 milleage tekan the owner low low

sell you at 40,000 milleage tekan you to pay high high (tell you c--k-n-bull story this is owner 2nd car, low milleage, seldom use and other b-------t)

 

regardless the car condition (even good), you already paid inflated price for the "fake" milleage

 

Actually, I don't think the car's mileage is at all important when buying a used car. To me, the mileage does not represent the condition of the car in any way. As long as the car was maintained properly by it's previous owner and had no record of any accidents, then it should be fine. Basically, it's all about how well the car was taken care of by it's previous owner. If possible, avoid dealers and buy from a direct seller. They should be able to give you service records and tell you the overall condition of the car's components. The chap that sold me my ride had the courtesy to tell me that it has warped rotor discs. He even gave me brand new rotor discs and brake pads for it

Edited August 14, 2012 by Wt_know

[Tcx607]

Well said <Wt_know>

 

For 1st time buyer on used car, better consult friends & relatives.

Don't jump into purchase on 1st love-sight. If the mileage is too low, too good to be true, discount it!

Good judgement, average mileage @ 25-30K per year.

[Shibainu]

hi,

 

i will be outstation for 6 mths and the car will not be used at all. can anyone advise me:

 

- can i don't renew my car insurance and roadtax since the car will not be used?

- can i defer the monthly instalment until i return to singapore?

 

thanks!

[Juzzme]

Self pwn?

 

sgcarmart

 

See service label sticker stating the mileage (55+++), vs that advertised (38000)

[marwing]

see my answer below in red:

 

hi,

 

i will be outstation for 6 mths and the car will not be used at all. can anyone advise me:

 

- can i don't renew my car insurance and roadtax since the car will not be used?

Yes, park your car in LTA carpark for 6 months and tell LTA/insurance to wavie charges.

- can i defer the monthly instalment until i return to singapore?

Yes, just pay late penalty and interest.

 

thanks!

 

[Palmer]

Self pwn?

 

sgcarmart

 

See service label sticker stating the mileage (55+++), vs that advertised (38000)

 

You are damn sharp!

 

Cheers

[Rogersk8ter]

Self pwn?

 

sgcarmart

 

See service label sticker stating the mileage (55+++), vs that advertised (38000)

 

 

steal eat forget to wipe mouth?