Odometer Fraud: Warning Signs

Odometer from a 1993 Ford Ranger. This vehicle has 300,000 miles on it, and has rolled over three times.
When this vehicle was purchased in 1999 from a dealership, the odometer said 72,000. After knowing the warning signs,
and having us check it out, the owner questioned the dealership, who then looked into it further and said
"Oh, you're right. It has 172,000 miles, NOT 72,000."

KSL recently ran a story about the rise of  odometer fraud in Utah. Odometer fraud is hard to detect, but besides a carfax report, here are a few other things you can check before buying a vehicle that seems "to good to be true" on the mileage:

• Gas and brake pedals: A vehicle with higher miles will have brake and gas pedals that have been used a lot. If they are overworn on a vehicle with low miles, this is a red flag.
• Tires: Ask about the tires that are on the vehicle. If the vehicle has extremely low miles and the owner has replaced the tires a few times, or if the owner claims they are the original tires and they are extremely worn, this is also a red flag.
• Leaks: As vehicles age, there may be some oil seeping in older engines. 
• "Trust Your Gut": We have all heard this popular phrase. The bottom line is, if it seems to good to be true it usually is.

As we have said before, knowledge is power, and the more informed you are when buying a vehicle, the better chance you have of buying a good reliable vehicle that is going to last. 

If you ever have any questions when buying a new vehicle, or would like us to check it out first, we are always happy to. Just call or come in any time!