How to Spot a Clocked Car: 7 Warning Signs of Mileage Fraud
How to Spot a Clocked Car: 7 Warning Signs of Mileage Fraud
Mileage fraud, or "clocking", is one of the most common forms of vehicle fraud in the UK. An estimated 1 in 20 used cars has had its mileage tampered with, costing buyers millions of pounds annually. This guide will help you spot the warning signs.
What is Car Clocking?
Clocking is the illegal practice of reducing a vehicle's recorded mileage to increase its value. A car with 100,000 miles is worth significantly less than one with 50,000 miles, making clocking a lucrative fraud.
7 Warning Signs of a Clocked Car
1. Inconsistent Service Records
What to Look For:
- Mileage decreases between services
- Missing service stamps
- Gaps in service history
- Handwritten mileage that looks altered
Example: Service book shows 45,000 miles in 2022, but MOT history shows 78,000 miles in 2021.
2. MOT History Doesn't Match
How to Check:
- Request full MOT history online
- Compare mileage progression year-over-year
- Look for sudden drops or suspicious patterns
- Check for missing MOT tests
Red Flag: Mileage goes from 95,000 to 62,000 between MOT tests.
3. Excessive Wear for Low Mileage
Physical Signs:
- Worn pedal rubbers
- Shiny steering wheel
- Sagging driver's seat
- Worn gear knob
- Faded carpets
Rule of Thumb: A car with 30,000 miles shouldn't have a steering wheel that looks like it's done 100,000 miles.
4. Dashboard Warning Signs
Check For:
- Scratches around the instrument cluster
- Misaligned dashboard panels
- Loose or damaged screws
- Different colored screws
- Fingerprints behind the plastic
Why It Matters: Accessing the odometer requires removing dashboard components.
5. Suspiciously Low Price
Warning Signs:
- Price significantly below market value
- Seller eager for quick sale
- Reluctant to provide documentation
- Pressure to buy immediately
Research: Check similar vehicles on AutoTrader, eBay Motors, and other platforms.
6. Incomplete Documentation
Missing Items:
- Service book
- Previous MOT certificates
- Receipts for major work
- V5C logbook
- Owner's manual
Excuse Alert: "I lost the service book" or "Previous owner had it" are common excuses from fraudsters.
7. Digital Odometer Anomalies
Modern Clocking Signs:
- Odometer display flickers
- Numbers don't align properly
- Display looks newer than rest of dash
- Warning lights that shouldn't be there
How to Verify Genuine Mileage
1. Online MOT History Check
The UK government provides free MOT history checks at gov.uk. This shows:
- Every MOT test date
- Mileage at each test
- Pass/fail results
- Advisory notices
2. HPI Check
A comprehensive HPI check reveals:
- Mileage discrepancies
- Number of previous owners
- Outstanding finance
- Insurance write-off history
3. Service History Verification
Contact the servicing garage to verify:
- Service dates
- Mileage at service
- Work carried out
- Payment records
4. Vehicle History Check
Use services like CarCred to:
- Cross-reference multiple data sources
- Identify mileage anomalies
- Check for clocking indicators
- Verify ownership history
What to Do If You Suspect Clocking
Before Purchase
- Walk Away - Don't proceed with the purchase
- Report It - Contact Trading Standards
- Warn Others - Report the seller to the platform
After Purchase
- Gather Evidence - Collect all documentation
- Get Expert Opinion - Have a mechanic assess the vehicle
- Contact Seller - Request refund in writing
- Legal Action - Consider small claims court
- Report Crime - Contact Action Fraud (0300 123 2040)
Legal Protection
Consumer Rights Act 2015
You're protected if:
- Vehicle isn't as described
- Mileage was misrepresented
- You bought from a dealer
Criminal Offense
Clocking is illegal under:
- Fraud Act 2006
- Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
Penalties include:
- Unlimited fines
- Up to 10 years imprisonment
- Criminal record
Prevention Tips
Before Viewing
- Research average mileage (12,000 miles/year)
- Check MOT history online
- Verify seller identity
- Request documentation in advance
During Viewing
- Inspect wear and tear
- Check dashboard for tampering
- Test drive thoroughly
- Take photos of everything
Before Buying
- Get independent inspection
- Run comprehensive vehicle check
- Verify all documentation
- Get everything in writing
Conclusion
Mileage fraud is serious, but it's preventable. By checking MOT history, inspecting the vehicle carefully, and running a comprehensive vehicle check, you can protect yourself from buying a clocked car.
Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. A few pounds spent on checks could save you thousands in the long run.
Always run a full vehicle history check before buying any used car.