How to Check if a Car's Mileage Has Been Tampered With

One of the most deceitful practices second-hand vehicle buyers face is odometer tampering, also known as clocking. This involves altering a car's mileage to make it appear as though it has travelled fewer kilometres than it actually has.

A lower mileage can significantly inflate a car's value, leaving unsuspecting buyers with a vehicle that is more worn out and prone to mechanical issues than they were led to believe.

Fortunately, some careful observation can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to this scam. This article details the signs buyers of used cars should look out for.

Physical Inspection: The Wear and Tear Test

A car's wear and tear should be consistent with its stated mileage. A vehicle with genuinely low mileage will show minimal signs of use. Here's what to look for:

• Driver's seat and steering wheel: a car with low mileage (e.g., under 80,000 km) should have a relatively firm driver's seat. The steering wheel, gear knob, and foot pedals should not be shiny, smooth, or heavily worn.
• Dashboard and interior buttons: look for faded, chipped, or peeling symbols on the stereo, air conditioning controls, or window switches. These are signs of extensive use and a car that has seen more mileage than stated.
• Rust and body condition: significant dings, scratches, or uneven paint jobs could indicate the car has been used for a long time. A low-mileage car, in most cases, should have a well-preserved exterior.

Check the Vehicle’s Import Records

For imported cars, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) conduct roadworthiness inspections before shipment. These reports often include mileage readings at the time of inspection.

• Ask the seller for the JEVIC certificate and compare the recorded mileage with what the odometer currently shows. If there’s a suspicious gap - say, the car had 120,000 km at inspection but is now showing only 70,000 km - it’s likely the odometer was rolled back locally.
• Using a car’s chassis number, you can also check for the last recorded mileage through the Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ) website.
• Alternatively, for imported cars that have not been in the country for long, you can verify the mileage with KEBS by sending the chassis number to 20023.
  “If you want to check the mileage of a car before you purchase, send an SMS to 20023 reading CH#number, the chassis,” KEBS advises.

The Digital Odometer Blackout Trick

Many modern cars have digital odometers. Tampering with these requires specialized electronic equipment. A common tactic by unscrupulous sellers is to disconnect the odometer to stop it from recording mileage. A broken or non-functional odometer is a major red flag and a clear indication that something is wrong. Insist on a functioning odometer display.

Service History and Maintenance Records

This is one of the most reliable way to verify a car's history. A well-maintained car will have a complete service history. Ask the seller for the service booklet or maintenance records. Here’s what to check:

• Service stamps and sates: look for stamps from legitimate garages or dealerships. A good service history will show consistent maintenance at regular intervals, with the mileage recorded at each service.
• Discrepancies: cross-reference the mileage in the service records with the mileage on the odometer. A car that has a record of being serviced at 150,000 km last year, but now displays only 120,000 km, is a sign of tampering.

Technical Inspection by a Trusted Mechanic

Before making the purchase, you can have the car inspected by a professional, independent mechanic you trust. 

• Mechanical wear: a mechanic can inspect components that wear down with mileage. They will check the condition of the brake discs, suspension, engine mounts, and gearbox. A car with low mileage should have components that show minimal wear..
• Diagnostic tools: many modern mechanics have diagnostic computers that can connect to the car's Engine Control Unit (ECU). The ECU often stores a separate mileage reading, which is much harder to alter.

Wrapping Up

Buying a used car in Kenya is a significant investment. Do not rush the process. If a deal feels too good to be true, it likely is. 

By paying attention to the details - the price, the physical wear, the service history, and a professional mechanic’s opinion, you can protect yourself from the costly mistake of buying a clocked car.