look news india
Compared to a new car, buying an old i.e. second hand car proves to be a very economical deal for the pocket. But there is a big risk hidden in this market, in which buyers often get trapped. We are talking about odometer fraud. Many times car sellers or dealers tamper with the digital or analog odometer of the vehicle to show less distance driven. Due to this, even a car driven for 1 lakh kilometers starts showing only 30 or 40 thousand kilometers on the meter and the buyer considers it less used and ends up paying a higher price. If you are also planning to buy an old car, then you can easily avoid this type of fraud by keeping some special things in mind.
Don’t just go by meter reading, check the internal wear of the car.
If the car’s odometer is showing very little running, then do not take a decision just by looking at that figure. Peek into the cabin of the vehicle and observe its actual condition carefully. If the car seats are loose or worn, the steering wheel grip has become smooth and shiny or the gear knob and pedals look very old, then it is clear that the car has been driven more than the distance shown on the odometer.
Be sure to ask for complete records of the authorized service center.
Before finalizing the deal, ask for the service history of the car from the car owner or dealer. Whenever the car goes for maintenance at the registered service center, the receipt and the kilometer reading of the car is recorded in the system. If there is any discrepancy or difference between the data recorded in the service book and the current reading of the odometer, then understand that the meter has been tampered.
The poll also reveals the condition of tyres, brake discs and clutch.
Parts like tires and brake discs of a car also tell the story of the actual use of the vehicle. If the odometer shows that the car has driven 20-25 thousand kilometers, but its tires are completely worn out or have been replaced with new ones, then it raises suspicion. However, it is also important to keep in mind that tires can be changed at any time, so do not make a final decision on this basis alone.
Get digital scan of ECU done in workshop
Most modern cars today have an electronic control unit (ECU). In many cases, the figures shown on the odometer screen are reduced, but the actual mileage remains recorded in the car’s main computer i.e. the ECU. Go to a reliable workshop or auto expert and get the ECU checked through a scanner, which can reveal the actual running condition of the car.
Long test drive and matching of documents is very important
Before buying a car, test it thoroughly. If there are any unusual noises coming from the engine, difficulty in shifting gears, or noises coming from the suspension, the car may have driven more than the meter reading. Along with this, match the date and kilometers recorded on the insurance paper, pollution certificate (PUC) and old bills. A little vigilance and advice from a mechanic can save you from a huge financial loss.