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We explain the key verification methods we use to identify vehicles with tampered odometers and how to ensure the reliability of mileage records.

What Happens If Odometer Tampering Is Discovered?

If odometer tampering is confirmed after purchase, we provide a full refund to ensure transparency and customer satisfaction.

Terms of Trade

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Methods for Detecting Odometer Tampering

Verifying Various Official Documents

Odometer readings are recorded not only on auction sheets but also in the following documents:

Vehicle Inspection Certificate

Export Certificate

Maintenance Notebook

Inspection Records

We compare these documents with the auction sheet to check for any significant discrepancies. If we find inconsistencies, we conduct a more detailed review using the maintenance notebook and inspection records.

Lost maintenance record data is generally not provided.

In Japan, the scope of personal information protection is extensive. Maintenance records typically include the owner's name and address along with the vehicle identification number. Without the owner's consent, access to past maintenance records is not permitted if they contain personally identifiable information such as names and addresses. Likewise, data stored by manufacturers is also not accessible. Even if a request is made with names and addresses redacted, the data will not be disclosed due to ownership-related restrictions.

Checking Oil Change Labels

If document verification is difficult, we check the oil change labels attached to vehicles at storage yards. Maintenance shops often affix these labels when changing engine oil, which include:

  • Mileage at the time of the oil change
  • Date of the service

We compare the vehicle’s current odometer reading with the label’s recorded mileage, adding an estimated mileage calculation of “years since the oil change × 10,000 km” to detect any major inconsistencies.

Checking Timing Belt Replacement Stickers

If verification through methods 1 and 2 is not possible, we check for a sticker in the engine compartment indicating the mileage at the time of the timing belt replacement. While this serves as supplementary verification, it is not always conclusive since timing belts generally need replacement around every 10 years or 100,000 km.

Using the Odometer Management System

When the above methods do not provide clear results, we use the Odometer Management System. This system stores mileage data from used cars listed at auctions, allowing us to cross-check a vehicle’s history and detect potential tampering.

How Common Is Odometer Tampering?

Japanese auto auctions enforce strict inspections to detect odometer tampering:

  • Manufacturer-affiliated auctions rarely list tampered vehicles.
  • At USS Auto Auction, in addition to the Odometer Management System, vehicles are individually inspected by professionals, ensuring that tampered vehicles are identified before auction.

USS Auto Auction Odometer Information：https://www.ussnet.co.jp/en/sustainability/social/customer/index.html

While odometer tampering is rare, it has not been entirely eliminated. Therefore, careful verification remains essential.

How to Avoid Purchasing a Tampered Vehicle

  1. Request a pre-bid inspection for detailed verification.
  2. Request an auction sheet translation and prioritize vehicles with maintenance records.
  3. Choose vehicles with maintenance notebooks and service records, as they are generally more reliable.

Note :

The presence of these documents does not necessarily guarantee accuracy.

Understanding Auction Sheet Markings

Auction sheets may contain special symbols indicating odometer status:

"$" or "#" Markings

  • "$" Mark:
    • Indicates a legitimate odometer replacement.
    • There is often a note about where the replacement occurred, whether records exist, or if the original odometer is still with the car.
  • "#" Mark:
    • Indicates unknown true mileage.
    • More common in older vehicles with unclear history.

"*" Marking

  • Used when the auction suspects odometer replacement but lacks verification records.
    • This does not necessarily mean the car was illegally altered; the odometer may have been replaced for valid reasons, but the seller cannot prove it.

Additional Auction Comments on Odometer Readings

  • "5-digit odometer, marked as odometer-changed vehicle"
    Older cars with 5-digit odometers reset to 0 after reaching 99,999 km. Without proper documentation, these vehicles are often flagged as tampered.
  • "True mileage unknown"
    This may appear alone or be followed by an explanation.
  • "Odometer not working, true mileage unknown"
    If an odometer has been faulty for some time, the true mileage cannot be determined.
  • "Old vehicle, marked as odometer-changed"
    For decades-old vehicles, history becomes unclear, leading auctions to flag them as tampered as a precaution.
  • "Tachograph fitted, odometer-changed vehicle"
    Common in buses and trucks.

Factors That Increase Mileage Reliability

In contrast to the negative indicators above, some factors can increase confidence in a vehicle’s reported mileage:

  • Presence of a service manual
  • Comprehensive service history records

For Those Who Understand Our Approach to Odometer Tampering

Our team consists of highly experienced auto auction professionals dedicated to ensuring transparent and reliable transactions. If you have any concerns, feel free to reach out for assistance in verifying vehicle history and mileage accuracy.

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