CAR CLOCKING CONTINUES TO SPIKE COSTING CONSUMERS AND DEALERS MILLIONS

The number of cars on UK roads showing mileage discrepancies is costing motorists over £800 million* every year according to hpi, the UK’s leading authority on vehicle checking services.

The automotive data experts say the number of cars affected has also risen to one in 16. The figure has worsened from one in 20 cars less than three years ago.

Revealing of the figures coincides with a brand new online video featuring Barry Shorto, head of industry relations at cap hpi. It provides useful insight and information on what to look out for and how the NMR (National Mileage Register) can help crackdown on the problem.

The illegal practice of clocking takes place when drivers look to deliberately defraud second-hand car buyers when the vehicle is sold on.

Barry Shorto said: “The problem of clocking and mileage discrepancies in used vehicles does appear to be worsening and that’s bad news for motorists and car retailers as they are left to foot the bill. There are a number of reasons why clocking is on the up. Technology is partly to blame as the continued development of tools to alter digital odometers and the access to this technology online is becoming increasingly easier. The boom in mileage-related finance arrangements such as PCP and PCH may also be playing aggravating the problem.

“Our new video provide valuable guidelines as to how to avoid buying a vehicle with a mileage discrepancy. It explains how to spot if a car has been clocked and how the National Mileage Register instantly provides a red flag should a car have suspect mileage.”

The HPI Check includes a mileage check against the NMR as standard, now with over 200 million mileage readings. hpi also confirms whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen with the police, has outstanding finance or safety recalls against it or has been written-off, making it the best way for consumers to protect themselves from fraudsters looking to make a fast profit.

Mr Shorto added: “Our valuation data conclusively shows the potential cost to dealers and motorists of the clocking problem. With clockers able to add thousands of pounds onto the value of a car, unsuspecting buyers stand to lose out, as do dealers. We urge retailers and consumers to conduct a vehicle history check to spot a mileage discrepancy before they buy.

“It can be almost impossible to tell a clocked vehicle just by looking at it, which makes a vehicle history check an even more vital form of protection for buyers. A clocked vehicle could be hiding serious levels of wear and tear, especially if it has been previously used as a high mileage private hire vehicle for a couple of years, meaning the additional cost of unexpected repairs or even a potentially serious safety threat to driver, passengers and other road users. An HPI Check can help protect consumers from buying a vehicle with something to hide, saving them cash and keeping them safe.”

Register (NMR) checks and investigations have grown by over a third in the last five years.

hpi’s mileage discrepancy video is available to watch here http://extras.cap-hpi.com/clocking

*Office for Fair Trading (OFT) figures for 2015

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