The government has announced a further crackdown on car clocking: winding back an odometer to make a used car appear to have covered fewer miles. It plans to add the practice to the list of banned business practices. That should make enforcement easier, but it does not replace the checks buyers need to make before paying for a car.
What has been announced?
In its 19 October announcement, the government said car clocking will be added to the banned practices list under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The change concerns businesses selling cars to consumers. Fraudulently selling a clocked car is already illegal; the announcement is about making the practice easier for enforcers to tackle.
The announcement did not set out a start date for the change. Buyers should not assume that it has already taken effect, or that a vehicle's displayed mileage has been independently verified simply because it is advertised by a dealer.
Check the mileage trail before you visit
Ask the seller for the registration number and check the car's MOT history on GOV.UK. Compare mileage readings from successive tests with the dashboard reading and the mileage shown in the advert. A lower later reading needs an explanation and supporting paperwork. MOT records can contain entry errors, so a discrepancy is a reason to investigate, not proof on its own of deliberate clocking.
Compare the service invoices, inspection records and any warranty paperwork as well. Check dates and mileages in order; missing records are worth asking about. If the seller cannot explain a material difference, do not rely on a verbal assurance.
What to check at the car
Make sure the registration, make and model match DVLA's vehicle details. When viewing the car, check its V5C log book and vehicle identification number against the vehicle itself. GOV.UK recommends these checks for anyone buying a used vehicle.
Look for wear that seems inconsistent with the claimed mileage, but remember that condition varies with use and maintenance. A low-mileage car can be worn, and a high-mileage car can be well kept. If the history remains unclear, consider an independent inspection or walk away before paying a deposit.
