HPI's National Mileage Register contains over 130 million mileage records, giving buyers of cars in the North extra assurance that a vehicle checked by them has not been clocked or previously recorded as stolen, or written-off by an insurance company, or is subject to outstanding finance.
Whilst 'adjusting the mileage' is not, in itself, illegal, selling the vehicle on without declaring the mileage adjustment IS breaking the law. HPI claim that 'increasing numbers of unscrupulous sellers are tampering with the mileage of a vehicle as an easy way to increase the price tag'.
On average, winding back the mileage on a N.I. vehicle can add between £100 and £400 to the value of a vehicle for every 1,000 miles taken off. Clocked vehicles may also represent a safety concern as vehicles with incorrect mileages may have missed important services, increasing the risk of them being unreliable and potentially un-roadworthy.
HPI have given tips on spotting car clocking:
* Check the service history for recorded mileages and make sure they look reasonable in relation to how you believe the vehicle has been used. You can also contact the servicing dealers to verify the stamped mileages.
* Speak to the previous keeper (on the V5) to check the mileage of the vehicle when they sold it.
* Check the mileage when you view it. Clockers have been known to wind the clock back, and then return the mileage to its original value once a vehicle is sold, so check it again before you collect the vehicle.
* Look for signs of wear and tear. If the seats and steering wheel are worn, but the mileage is low, beware.
* Trust your judgement. If in doubt, walk away.
* Conduct a HPI Check.
They say many of these signs could be innocent, so look for more than one of the above as possible evidence of clocking.
HPI Limited is a primary source of vehicle information for the UK motor industry and motoring consumer which, since December 2008, has been owned by Solera Holdings, Inc.
HPI encompasses both the HPI database of all UK road registered vehicle descriptions and histories, and the National Mileage Register which holds over 130 million mileage readings.
