How to check for tampered mileage – and the most frequently clocked cars in the UK

THE most likely second-hand motors to have a tampered mileage have been revealed.

And its bad news if you’re in the market for a second-hand hatchback.

A recent study undertaken by Rapid Car Check revealed the Subaru Impreza as the most clocked car in the UK, with almost 18 per cent of tested models displaying an incorrect mileage.

The investigation tested more than 50,000 vehicles across the country to find out the odometer discrepancy in popular models.

The Ford Transit was another vehicle likely to have a doctored mileage, with 15 per cent of the vans being wound back.

The Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio were other popular models with dodgy readings, according to the study, both recording over 11 per cent.

Clocking is a technique used by private sellers to reduce a car’s mileage so it’s more attractive to buy.

It is also used by previous owners to avoid going over mileage restrictions set out when buying a motor on a finance deal.

Advancements in digital technology has also made it easier for criminals to wind back the clock, with the practice costing motorists over £800million a year.

But there are some measures Brits can use to double check they are not buying a dodgy motor.

When deciding on a second-hand car, ask to see the car’s service history as this will give an indication of its true mileage.

If there are any discrepancies in the record, the vehicle’s odometer has likely been tampered.

It can also prove useful to check the mileage every time you view the car, as previous owners will take wind back the clock for the first viewing.

You can also rely on vehicle checks to alert you to any concerning history when buying a used car.

Companies – such as HPI, RAC and vcheck.uk – can check if the vehicle your interested in has any mileage discrepancies, been stolen or has outstanding finance.

Barry Shorto, head of industry relations at HPi, said: “It can be almost impossible to tell a clocked vehicle just by looking at it, which makes a vehicle history check an even more vital form of protection for buyers.

“A clocked vehicle could be hiding serious levels of wear and tear, especially if it has been previously used as a high mileage private hire vehicle for a couple of years, meaning the additional cost of unexpected repairs or even a potentially serious safety threat to driver, passengers and other road users.”