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A new warning has been issued about the threat posed by rogue traders tampering with vehicle mileage to deceive consumers and drive up sales prices.
A car service centre in the UAE has highlighted the worrying ease of odometer fraud – prompting experts to alert unsuspecting drivers.
Posts widely shared on social media by the Berlin-based car service in Ain show that Mercedes’ driving range has been reduced from 114,000 km to 38,000 km.
Check RTA records to see if the car suddenly loses mileage between registrations, especially if the mileage is low compared to the wear and tear of the car
Christopher Milburn, Dubizzle
The video shows the car’s dashboard being opened and a device being used to alter the readings, misrepresenting the actual number of kilometers driven.
In a recent incident in Abu Dhabi, a woman bought a 4WD car for AED 115,000 only to discover that her used car had travelled 300,000 km instead of the advertised 65,000 km.
She took legal action against the seller, and the court ruled that the sales contract could be torn up and a full refund.
The victory was a blow to consumer rights, but a legal expert said defrauded buyers needed to act quickly to ensure justice was done.
“The UAE’s civil transaction laws protect customers from fraud. If a car buyer discovers hidden defects such as odometer rollbacks in the car, he has the right to file a lawsuit within six months of the purchase,” said legal counsel Mohammad Najib ( Mohammed Najeeb) told National.
“Car buyers have the right to cancel the contract and receive a refund of the amount paid.
“The odometer rollback is a form of cheating by the seller to cover up the defect. The buyer should submit the odometer rollback certificate to the court, just like the automaker’s certificate.”
Section 555 of the Act provides that if the buyer provides security for more than six months, the seller can still file a lawsuit.
Drivers urged to be vigilant
Ali Hassan, from Sharjah used car dealer Souq Al Haraj, said mileage greatly affects a vehicle’s value and can help indicate how long it will last.
“Since most cars have a digital odometer, the reading can be changed by removing the vehicle’s circuit board or rolling back using a rollback device connected directly to the vehicle’s electronic circuitry,” Mr Hassan said.
He advises buyers to do extensive checks – including service history – before agreeing to any purchase.
“Cars are fully inspected at verification centres in the UAE. I always ask my clients to test their cars before buying them from my shop. Buying a car with hidden defects means paying more than the vehicle is worth,” he said .
Dubizzle, a popular online classifieds site, advises potential buyers to take steps to protect themselves from potential fraud.
Dubizzle’s Christopher Milbourne said: “Check the Roads and Transport Authority records to see if the car has suddenly lost mileage between registrations, especially if the mileage is low compared to the wear and tear of the car, such as the interior and steering wheel.”
“To avoid fraudulent activity, we recommend always opting for a pre-check report.
“At the Dubizzle Auto Centre in Al Quoz, our specialists provide you with a very detailed inspection service, providing you with a complete report focusing on issues with complete transparency and peace of mind.”
Tips to avoid getting caught
* Buy used cars from reliable sources
* Have the car independently inspected by a verified garage
* Ask for detailed service history as odometer readings will be registered during service hours
* Check the brake and accelerator pedals for wear, as excessive pedal wear indicates that the mileage may be greater than the displayed mileage
Updated: 10/5/2022 6:47am
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