Car Supermarket Spain – News Blog

Beware of ‘clockers’ car buyers warned

I have noticed that a lot of cars in Spain seem to have very low kilometers on them why? do they really do less kilometers in Spain?

CONSUMERS looking to buy second-hand cars in Spain are urged to avoid falling victim to “car-clockers” who fiddle the kilometers on used vehicles.

Clocking happens when rogue sellers alter the digits on a car’s odometer so that the vehicle looks like it has done fewer kilometers and can be sold at a higher price.

Don’t think because its a digital read out it can’t be clocked, their easier to alter than the old analouge clocks and you really can’t tell if they have been altered.

 

Before

After

Tips for consumers to ensure the vehicles kilometers are correct:

1) Check the odometer – are all the digits lined up evenly? If not beware! but as you can see above they have this down to a fine art. Look at the screws holding the clocks into place where possible, see if there are signs of wear on them, this is an indication that the clocks have been removed at some time. If its a digital odometer then your guess is as good as mine.

2) Check the wear and tear inside the car: is it consistent with the kilometers or is the fabric worn, old looking?

3) Check the steering wheel and driver’s seat: a smooth or worn wheel, worn fabric or discoloured lining above the driver’s head indicate high kilometers.

4) Check for wear on the foot pedals. Very worn means high kilometers, also very new can mean high kilometers, the dealer could have put new ones on because the old ones were worn out.

5) Get the dealer or seller to confirm the kilometers in writing so you can have recourse in case of problems. “Laugh this is Spain.” Sorry my bad!!!

6) Check the tyres, tyres on a new car should last for around 40-60,000 kilometers (applies to a standard family car, good brand tyres, not remolds or budget). Generally all new cars come with a reputable brand. What I’m trying to say is if it’s got 10,000 kilometers on the odometer and the tyres are warn out beware!

7) Remember that the average annual kilometers on a car is around 16,000 Km to 20,000 km. So a five year old car could have 80-100,000 kms on it.

8) Check the service history of the vehicle and any receipts for work that’s been carried out. If there’s no service history – why? If it’s had a new clutch and only done 30,000 kilometers – why? A clutch should be good for 100,000 kilometers, however this does depend on the driver, whether the vehicle has been towing and the correct usage.

9) Finally if you’re in any doubt walk away or get a experienced independent mechanic to take a look.

“Car-clocking has become an increasingly common practice and could be very dangerous” beware don’t get caught out!

“Thanks for reading”

Car Supermarket Spain