| If
the mileage is low but wear and tear on the car looks heavy, the
car could have been clocked. Clockers sometimes change pedal
rubbers, steering wheels and gear knobs to hide this. Another sign
is that the mileometer numbers don't line up correctly.
Try to find out about the history of the car. MOT certificates
and service documentation will show mileage readings taken by
mechanics. You may be able to get information from one of the
companies listed on the back page. Some dealers use trade-only
database companies such as IMVA and VMC to check mileage. Ask
whether this is the case.
|
The mileage
reading forms part of the description of the car. Sellers
sometimes protect themselves by covering up the mileometer or
issuing a disclaimer saying that the mileage may be wrong. To be
valid, such a disclaimer must be at least as noticeable as the
mileage reading and as effectively brought to your attention. It
may be worth contacting previous owners named on the V5 to ask
what the mileage was when they sold the car. You could also ask
what it was used for, for example, short trips or regular motorway
driving. |
