Copyright birminghammail
Motoring experts have warned drivers buying a new car of a hidden issue that could make them overpay by £4,750. Brits are overpaying by a total of £750 million a year on used motors that have had their mileage fraudulently adjusted – or “clocked”, analysis by diagnostics platform Carly found. The average victim is spending £4,750 over the true value of a vehicle. Read more: HMRC alert issued to drivers who may be unknowingly 'paying too much tax' A total of 16.3% of 550,000 UK cars analysed between January and September this year showed evidence of clocking. The Nissan Qashqai is the UK’s most clocked car, with 3.4% of all models checked in 2024 showing signs of odometer fraud, carVertical data showed. The BMW 5 Series and Land Rovers also ranked among the most clocked cars, with 3.4% and 3% of models, respectively. Volkswagen Caddys had the highest number of miles rolled back — an average of 104,732. Land Rover Defenders (76,580) and Skoda Superbs (62,595) were also recorded as having an average rollback of over 60,000 miles. Carly’s Head of Internationalisation, Dali Ati, said many cars may be hiding their true condition. He added: “Mileage tampering can make a car appear newer and more valuable than it really is. But beneath the surface, it could be far more worn and that’s where unexpected problems begin.” Matas Buzelis, carVertical’s head of communications and car market expert, comments: “Proving odometer fraud remains a significant challenge, which unfortunately leaves many scammers feeling untouchable. With the UK used car market still vulnerable to mileage manipulation, it’s crucial for buyers to always check a vehicle’s history before making a purchase. “Often, even the current owner may not be aware of any tampering that occurred before they acquired the car. This can lead to an unpleasant surprise for both parties when the fraud is discovered during a future sale. It highlights how important it is to be proactive in verifying a car’s true condition. “A comprehensive car history report not only reveals when and how the odometer was altered but also shows how many miles were rolled back. "This transparency allows buyers to better understand the vehicle’s actual wear and tear, ensuring they make informed decisions based on its true value. In an environment where odometer fraud remains a serious concern, these checks are the most effective way to avoid costly mistakes.”
