Motor experts warn buyers of hidden issue that could make you overpay by £4,750 – this is the car you should be most wary of

MOTORING experts have warned buyers of a hidden issue that could make you overpay by £4,750.

Brits are overpaying by a total of £750million a year on used motors that have had their mileage fraudulently adjusted - or “clocked”, analysis by diagnostics platform Carly found.

The average victim is spending £4,750 over the true value of a vehicle, it added.

A total of 16.3% of 550,000 UK cars analysed between January and September this year showed evidence of clocking.

This comes after vehicle history checking service carVertical data showed the Nissan Qashqai is the UK’s most clocked car with 3.4% of all models checked in 2024 showing signs of odometer fraud. 

This could significantly impact the car's condition and value. 

The BMW 5 Series and Land Rovers also ranked among the most clocked cars with 3.4% and 3% of models respectively. 

Volkswagen Caddys had the highest number of miles rolled back — an average of 104,732.

Land Rover Defenders (76,580) and Skoda Superbs (62,595) were also recorded as having an average rollback of over 60,000 miles.

Carly’s Head of Internationalisation, Dali Ati, said many cars may be hiding their true condition.

He added: “Mileage tampering can make a car appear newer and more valuable than it really is. But beneath the surface, it could be far more worn and that’s where unexpected problems begin.”

Matas Buzelis, carVertical’s head of communications and car market expert, comments: “Proving odometer fraud remains a significant challenge, which unfortunately leaves many scammers feeling untouchable. With the UK used car market still vulnerable to mileage manipulation, it’s crucial for buyers to always check a vehicle’s history before making a purchase.

“Often, even the current owner may not be aware of any tampering that occurred before they acquired the car. This can lead to an unpleasant surprise for both parties when the fraud is discovered during a future sale. It highlights how important it is to be proactive in verifying a car’s true condition.

“A comprehensive car history report not only reveals when and how the odometer was altered but also shows how many miles were rolled back. This transparency allows buyers to better understand the vehicle’s actual wear and tear, ensuring they make informed decisions based on its true value. In an environment where odometer fraud remains a serious concern, these checks are the most effective way to avoid costly mistakes.”

Kundan Bhaduri, Entrepreneur, Investor and Landlord at London-based The Kushman Group, urged Brits to do a full history check on used cars.

He added: "When buying a used car, always demand a comprehensive history check. It is worth insisting on a garage inspection before paying any money. An easy check is looking at the MOT history of the vehicle as a first port of call. Check for progressive mileage changes over the life of the vehicle. 

"Remember that bargain prices usually reflect hidden problems rather than seller generosity. I would look at buying a used car like a property transaction with equivalent due diligence standard and legal protection. 

"The regulatory response so far has proven to be spectacularly inadequate. The police is treating systematic fraud as isolated incidents rather than an organised crime that warrants a coordinated enforcement action."