By Jim Grey

“ Rolled back” and “clocking” are automotive industry terms that refer to the altering of a vehicle’s odometer and mileage documentation. When the truth about a used car’s mileage is not disclosed to the buyer, it becomes odometer fraud, which is illegal in every state.

“If the car has been driven more miles than the odometer indicates, the future condition of the car is less predictable,” says John Nielsen, director of AAA Auto Repair and Consumer Information. “Both minor and major repairs are much more likely, depending upon the vehicle’s maintenance history.”

Unfortunately, auto experts report that it can be easy to pull off and it can be quite lucrative, since every mile rolled back can mean an extra 10 cents in the seller’s pocket.

Imagine a vehicle with 75,000 miles rolled back by only 25,000 miles — the seller gets an extra $2,500, and the buyer has a vehicle with significantly more wear and tear than expected.

“We estimate one in 10 cars has its odometer rolled back,” said Jack Gillis, Consumer Federation of America and author of The Car Book. “Sellers obviously make more money if a car’s mileage is deflated.”

10 Steps To help Used Car Buyers Detect Odometer Fraud:

1. Ask to see the title and disclosure statement. Compare the mileage listed with the mileage on the vehicle’s odometer. Be sure to examine the title closely to see if the mileage notation is obscured.

2. Compare the mileage on the odometer with the mileage indicated on the vehicle’s maintenance or inspection records. Search for maintenance stickers on windows or door frames, in the glove box or under the hood.

3. Do the math. According to the auto industry, the average driver puts 12,000 to 15,000 miles on a vehicle each year. Multiply the age of the vehicle by these numbers to get an estimated mileage range. If the vehicle falls well below the range, ask for a paper trail that confirms the mileage.

4. Check the number. On a mechanical (non-digital/LCD) odometer, see that the numbers on the odometer gauge itself are aligned correctly. If they’re crooked or jiggle when you tap on the dash, they may have been tampered with.

5. Look at the wear and tear on the vehicle. Especially look at the gas, brake and clutch pedals to be sure their condition seems consistent with the mileage displayed on the odometer.

6. Examine the tires. If the odometer shows 20,000 miles or less, the car should have original tires.

7. Obtain a CARFAX Vehicle History Report to check for odometer discrepancies. AAA members receive a discount on every report ordered at www.aaa.com.

8. Learn about the vehicle’s past life. Use the CARFAX Vehicle History Report to determine if the vehicle has ever been registered and used as a taxi, company, rental or lease vehicle.

9. Take the vehicle to a certified mechanic for inspection prior to purchase. They will be better able to uncover wear and tear, and estimate what major repairs may be coming soon.

10. Buy from a reputable dealer. Reconsider buying that vehicle offered at the curb. Some of the people placing cars for sale along the street are actually non-licensed, illegal dealers who sell multiple cars of questionable quality while posing as private sellers.

Dealerships, like AAA Carolinas Car Buying Service, are subject to the Federal Trade Commission’s “Used Car Rule” and can be checked out through consumer agencies such as the Better Business Bureau.