Car clocking 'practiced across the UK'

Date: 21/4/2011

Drivers are being warned against the increasing use of car clocking across the UK.

According to HPI, while car clocking is "perfectly legal" it is "practically untraceable" and can leave people without all the knowledge they need when buying a new motor.

Car clocking involves changing the mileage showing on a vehicle and is used by some dealers to lower the mileage of a motor in a bid to make it more valuable when it is sold.

Changing the mileage is not illegal, but failing to inform a buyer is against the law, so customers are warned to be on their guard and use their common sense.

"Armed with the right information, consumers can protect themselves against most cons out there and most are rightfully careful when it comes to parting with a large amount of money," said Consumer Services Manager at HPI Nicola Johnson.

According to figures published by HPI, the impact of the economic downturn combined with a greater focus on green driving means more and more people are choosing to buy used cars rather than new.

Posted by Mary Treen