Topic: Odometer rolled back

[paulk]

I've been out shopping for used vehicles the last few days, and after doing a CARFAX report on one of the vehicles I was most interested in, it turns out the odometer has been rolled back by about 100,000 km.  What was surprising to me was that this was not a private seller or a generic used car lot -- it's at a Honda dealership.

What should I do?  I still like the vehicle, and I'm tempted to let the dealer know and see if I can knock a big chunk off the price.  CARFAX says the vehicle was sold at auction in Washington and imported to Canada, and I know how little vehicles sell for at auction because my uncle regularly attends, so I suspect the dealer's margin on this is huge and there's a lot of room to move.  Other than the odometer rollback, the vehicle's accident history is clean.

On the other hand, the right thing to do would probably be to notify the police and Honda Canada.

[The Mighty Duck]

If they're willing to roll back an odometer, what else are they willing to lie about to get you to buy?  I would be very careful in making sure the vehicle is in good shape mechanically if you decide to go ahead with this deal.

You can certainly try and knock the price down...  but be cautious.  Saying "give me a break or I'll go the police" is (imo) pretty dirty as well.  The right thing, of course, would be to contact Honda Canada.  But then you might miss out on the deal of a lifetime. 

[paulk]

Good point about what else they're willing to lie about.

I wouldn't do both (try to negotiate and then go to the police).  There is a *lot* of organized crime in lower mainland BC and I don't want to end up with retribution.  I'm also somewhat reluctant to contact Honda Canada for that reason.  I can't be certain Honda would keep my identity private, and I don't want thugs knocking on my door.  I'll probably just send Honda Canada an anonymous letter.

[AVToller]

Just a thought, but are you sure the odometer was rolled back? If the car is from Washington, the mileage would be in MILES not kilometres. 

[Brigitte]

Good catch, Ross.  Old age and treachery, eh?  Not bad at all.   

[AVToller]

Good catch, Ross.  Old age and treachery, eh?  Not bad at all.   

You betcha!!   

[sterling]

You sure it was rolled back? Positive? 100,000 km is a lot of mileage. It shows itself pretty obviously in terms of carpet, pedal, and upholstery wear.

You sure the Honda dealership rolled it back?

Trying for a bigger discount doesn't exactly put you on the high moral ground.

Honda Canada won't care. Manufacturers care about their new car operations. Unless you have concrete proof, Honda will just throw your letter in the garbage.

[Wetson]

The Honda dealer may not even be aware that the odo. was rolled back.   Make sure that the numbers haven't been converted from miles to KMs.   You never know.

[neil]

I've been out shopping for used vehicles the last few days, and after doing a CARFAX report on one of the vehicles I was most interested in, it turns out the odometer has been rolled back by about 100,000 km.  What was surprising to me was that this was not a private seller or a generic used car lot -- it's at a Honda dealership.

What should I do?  I still like the vehicle, and I'm tempted to let the dealer know and see if I can knock a big chunk off the price.  CARFAX says the vehicle was sold at auction in Washington and imported to Canada, and I know how little vehicles sell for at auction because my uncle regularly attends, so I suspect the dealer's margin on this is huge and there's a lot of room to move.  Other than the odometer rollback, the vehicle's accident history is clean.

On the other hand, the right thing to do would probably be to notify the police and Honda Canada.

I don't know how detailed you got into the car, but if the car was American and imported the cluster was probably changed.  When that is done the mileage at change is usually recorded on a sticker on the inside drivers door, on the door or the door post (B pillar).  The cluster was probably salvage, and the mileage indicated from the previous vehicle.
If that sticker is not there, there could be some fraud implications.

Let the dealer know what you know.  If they person they bought it from did not disclose the change, they have been defrauded.  Ignorance of the facts are little excuse for the dealer, but they may be oblivious to it, and as much a victim as the potential buyer.

The matter should be reported to the police.  Odometre fraud is very serious, and any instances of it hurt my industry as a whole.  Those that do it need to get busted.  Period.

[eddy4]

I know of many dealers that exported cars into the U.S.with "new speedometers/odometers" that were supposed to have the equivalent miles spun up to match the original Kms.... that didnt always happen.

So it is buyer  beware .. at least you know the history of this car.. make your choice.

[safristi]

..Neil...does that mean he was CLUSTER-FACKED...??

[84im]

I don't understand you.  As soon as you found out there was tampering with the mileage and it was from out of the country you should have just walked away.  Why take the risk?  There are thousands  of good used cars out there.

[sterling]

So whatever happened with this Accord?