Regardless of the condition of the second hand car we buy, we think that as long as it has low mileage. So the desired is to buy a little used car. However, this sensitivity of users is open to abuse by second-hand car dealers. It is known that the kilometers of vehicles are reduced by using many different methods and they are sold at much higher prices than their value.
This transaction, which is qualified fraud in its simplest definition, is one of the most frequently used fraud methods by sellers in the used car market. Because its application is seen as the simplest and the most profitable process. So, how to understand a vehicle with reduced mileage? There are some methods you can use to see if the mileage of the vehicle you want to buy has been played with.
What is vehicle mileage?
Each kilometer traveled by cars is recorded in mechanical or electronic meters. Among the public, this usage is referred to as vehicle mileage. Modern vehicles can travel 500 thousand kilometers without any problems if they are regularly maintained. The important thing is that the engine maintenance has been done in a healthy way throughout this process.
How to reduce vehicle mileage?
Mileage traveled in old-style vehicles are recorded in mechanical meters. Vehicle mileage can be reduced easily by removing the mechanical meter manually. It is also possible to install a new mechanical meter on the vehicle instead. Thus, it can be said that a new meter was installed as a result of an accident.
In modern vehicles, mileage is recorded in electronic meters. The vehicle’s brain is intervened in order to reduce the mileage registered in the electronic meters. The chip or software of the vehicle can be changed. As with mechanical meters, it is possible to install a new instrument panel from scratch in electronic meters.
To summarize, whether a vehicle has a mechanical or electronic counter; Vehicle mileage can be easily changed by a master. When the vehicle mileage is reduced as a result of this action, this situation is considered within the scope of qualified fraud according to the precedent decision taken by the 23rd Chamber of the Supreme Court. So don’t.
Does a vehicle with reduced mileage pass inspection?
Although reducing vehicle mileage is considered as a qualified fraud, it is known that some old-style vehicles reset themselves after 100 thousand kilometers. Likewise, mechanical or electronic meters damaged after an accident may have to be renewed.
Considering all these reasons, TÜVTÜRK does not consider this situation as severely defective when a fluctuation is observed on the meter during the inspection. A vehicle whose meter has been tampered with is considered slightly defective and passes inspection. In other words, the fact that a vehicle’s inspections are complete does not mean that its mileage has not been tampered with.
How to detect a vehicle with reduced mileage?
- The maintenance records of the vehicle should be examined.
- An SMS should be sent to the vehicle plate number and engine chassis number 5664 and a Traffic Insurance Information Center inquiry should be made.
- Vehicle inspection records should be examined.
- The registered information of the vehicle in the insurance company should be examined.
- It should be checked whether the vehicle equipment wear is suitable for the mentioned mileage.
- The instantaneous power measurement results of the vehicle should be evaluated.
- The oil consumption of the vehicle should be examined.
- The reasons for the tire change of the vehicle should be evaluated.
You can apply some or all of these methods to understand the vehicle with reduced mileage. These methods generally compare the condition of the vehicle with the damage done to the vehicle by the claimed mileage. The wear rate of a vehicle with low mileage is more or less obvious.
Despite applying all these methods, you may not be able to understand whether the mileage of the vehicle has been tampered with. After all, these people are scammers, they know these methods too. Minor changes to the vehicle after the mileage has been reduced may make it impossible to understand this situation.
The surest way to identify a vehicle with reduced mileage is to have the vehicle inspected by an official, independent appraisal. The cost of an inspection by an independent appraisal is a little daunting, but it’s better than being scammed outright. Because during this inspection, even the mileage information recorded in the blind spots of the vehicle will be revealed.
Things to consider when buying a used car to avoid being scammed:
- Try to buy the vehicle from the original owner.
- Make sure that the owner of the used car is someone you know, trust, or know such a person.
- Be skeptical of vehicles sold below market price.
- Beware of tempting ads for urgent sale or similar.
- Learn the real reason for even the smallest change in vehicle equipment.
- Make sure that the car you are going to buy has not been used as a commercial vehicle, company vehicle, rental vehicle or public vehicle before.
As a result of the complaints, it has been seen that 40% of the vehicles that are over 5 years old and less than 150 thousand kilometers sold in our country are vehicles with reduced mileage. Because it is a very simple and profitable process, reducing vehicle mileage is one of the most frequently used fraud methods.
Reducing the mileage of the vehicle is perhaps the least harmful method. Haven’t we even seen vehicles with different rear and front brands? It is extremely important to pay a little more attention during purchases, especially when used car prices have been on the rise recently.
We answered questions such as how to understand a vehicle with reduced mileage, what to pay attention to in order not to be deceived when buying a used car. Unfortunately, it is possible to meet bad people everywhere. For this reason, we have to be a little more careful before shopping, especially when we pay high fees, such as buying a car.
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