Buyers generally miss this detail on a vehicle, unless they go a little further in their research …
When you embark on the purchase of a used car, you generally imagine having a good deal. However, behind the appearance of a supposedly in good condition vehicle, buyers discover problems too late. These scams can take several forms: hide costly repairs, sell an accident vehicle without saying it, or even deceive the real state of the vehicle. Despite multiple legal devices and compulsory technical controls, the market remains complex and vulnerable. Often, the buyer lacks precise and reliable information, which places him in a delicate situation in the face of sometimes unscrupulous sellers. It is a risk that affects anyone, whether you are looking for an affordable small car or a high -end model. And who at the finish is expensive, sometimes several thousand euros, without the future owner noticing right away.
One of the most widespread fraud on this market is linked to the handling of mileage data displayed on the vehicle counter. A study carried out by Carvertical Company, expert in automotive data, reveals the extent of this phenomenon. In France, this scam causes damage estimated at 1.15 billion euros per year. For the consumer, this translates on average into an additional cost of 44.5 %, almost half of the real value of the vehicle. “”For example, a car displayed at 10,000 euros with a modified mileage can actually be worth only 5,500 euros. The buyer therefore pays around 4,500 euros too much “indicates the study.
“It is not surprising that buyers favor vehicles with few kilometers. Unfortunately, this attracts fraudsters who artificially decrease this figure, thus giving the impression of a vehicle in better condition that it is really”, explains Matas Buzelis, car expert at Carvertical. This problem affects both economical and high -end models, accentuating losses for the wealthiest buyers. Fraud is very important in Europe, around 4.9 % of second-hand cars present a falsified mileage, and in particular in Western Europe, in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and also in France.
To avoid falling into this trap, it is crucial to check the complete history of the vehicle, in particular thanks to an official report like Histovec, a platform which allows you to consult the administrative history of your vehicle recorded in the vehicle registration system (S I V). Also inspect the wear of the parts (seats, tires, pedals) which must correspond to the mileage displayed. Do not hesitate to have the car controlled by an expert before purchase. These simple precautions can protect you from an expensive unpleasant surprise and guarantee a safe purchase!
