Mileage clocking – winding back a car's odometer to make it appear less used – is illegal, dangerous, and far more common than you'd think. Here's how to protect yourself.
The Scale of the Problem
According to various industry estimates:
- 2.5 million clocked cars are currently on UK roads
- The average reduction is around 50,000 miles
- Victims lose an average of £2,000-£4,000 per car
- Total annual cost to UK consumers: over £800 million
Digital odometers haven't solved the problem – they've just changed the tools needed. A dodgy operator can wind back modern digital dashes in under 10 minutes.
Why Clocking Is So Harmful
Safety Risks
Service intervals are based on mileage. A clocked car may have:
- Worn brake components
- Overdue timing belt (engine destruction risk)
- Tired suspension and steering
- Degraded tyres
You think you've got 30,000 miles before the timing belt needs doing. In reality, it's 10,000 miles overdue.
Financial Loss
A car with 60,000 miles is worth significantly more than one with 120,000. Clockers pocket the difference – and you're left with an overpriced, worn-out vehicle.
Future Problems
When you sell, you might unknowingly pass on a clocked car. MOT records will reveal the true mileage, making the car virtually unsellable.
How to Spot a Clocked Car
1. Check the MOT History
This is your most powerful free tool. Every MOT records the mileage.
Go to: www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
Enter the registration and look for:
- Mileage going DOWN between tests
- Mileage jumps that don't match normal use (10-12k/year average)
- Gaps where mileage might have been manipulated
2. Examine Wear Patterns
Does the car look like its claimed mileage?
Low mileage should show:
- Crisp pedal rubbers with visible lettering
- Unworn driver's seat bolster
- Clean, smooth steering wheel
- Sharp gear knob markings
High mileage signs include:
- Shiny, worn pedals
- Sagging driver's seat
- Polished steering wheel
- Smooth gear knob
If a 40,000-mile car has wear like a 120,000-mile one, something's wrong.
3. Check Service History
Service stamps and receipts record mileage. They should show:
- Consistent progression
- Realistic intervals
- Matching service book and receipts
Missing history or gaps could indicate mileage tampering during those periods.
4. Look at the Condition Overall
A well-maintained high-mileage car often looks better than a low-mileage one that's been abused. Trust your instincts – does the overall condition match the story?
5. Get a Vehicle History Check
Services like HPI, Experian AutoCheck, or the AA check mileage data from multiple sources including:
- Insurance records
- Finance companies
- Auction data
- Service networks
They can flag mileage discrepancies you wouldn't find otherwise.
What The Law Says
It's Criminal Fraud
Clocking is illegal under:
- Fraud Act 2006 – Making false representations for gain
- Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 – Misleading commercial practices
Penalties can include unlimited fines and prison sentences.
Your Consumer Rights
A clocked car is not "as described" under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This gives you the right to:
- Reject for a full refund (within 30 days or if repair fails)
- Claim damages for financial loss
- Rescind the contract if there was misrepresentation
Finance Protection
If you bought on finance, Section 75 makes the finance company jointly liable. They can't escape responsibility because the dealer was dishonest.
What to Do If You've Bought a Clocked Car
Step 1: Gather Evidence
- Screenshot the MOT history showing the discrepancy
- Keep all purchase documents
- Photograph the car's wear
- Get service records if available
Step 2: Report to Trading Standards
Clocking is a criminal offence. Report it at www.gov.uk/report-trading-standards-issue. They investigate and can prosecute.
Step 3: Contact the Seller
Write formally stating you're rejecting the car because it's not as described. Reference:
- The Consumer Rights Act 2015
- The specific mileage discrepancy
- Your demand for a full refund
Step 4: Contact Your Finance Company
If you bought on finance, inform them of the fraud. They're jointly liable and may have more leverage with the dealer.
Step 5: Consider Court Action
If the seller refuses to refund, Small Claims Court is an option. Clocking cases are often clear-cut – the MOT evidence is hard to dispute.
How Dealers/Sellers Try to Deny It
"The previous owner must have done it"
Doesn't matter. The car wasn't as described at the point you bought it. The seller's responsibility.
"You should have checked"
The duty is on them to provide accurate information, not on you to detect fraud.
"We'll split the difference"
You're entitled to a full refund if you're within your rights. Don't accept less.
"Take us to court then"
Many are bluffing. When you actually issue proceedings, they often settle.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Before buying any used car:
- Always check MOT history – Free and takes 2 minutes
- Get a vehicle history check – £10-£20 well spent
- Examine wear carefully – Trust your eyes
- Request service history – And verify it matches
- Consider an independent inspection – They'll spot inconsistencies
If everything checks out and the price seems right, it probably is. If anything feels off, walk away.
The Bottom Line
Mileage clocking is a serious fraud that costs UK consumers hundreds of millions annually. But it's also one of the easier frauds to detect if you know what to look for.
Check. The. MOT. History.
It's free, it takes minutes, and it catches most clocked cars. There's no excuse for not doing it.
If you've been caught out despite your best efforts, you have strong legal rights. Clocking is both criminal fraud and a civil wrong – and you shouldn't have to accept it.
Discovered your car's mileage isn't what it should be? Check if you qualify for our rejection service – we specialise in fraud cases.
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