It is illegal to tamper with an odometer. It is also illegal to sell or advertise any device for tampering with an odometer. Additionally, it is unlawful to operate a vehicle with a disconnected or nonfunctional odometer with the intent to defraud.
When a vehicle is sold, the seller must give the buyer a written odometer statement disclosing the following information: the vehicle`s true mileage at the time of transfer; the date of transfer; the buyer`s and seller`s names and addresses; the vehicle`s make, year, and body type; and the vehicle identification number. If the seller knows that the mileage has exceeded the mechanical limit of 99,999 miles, he or she must provide that information to the buyer.
Take Precautions
- Know the reputation of the person or dealer who is selling the car.
- Obtain the odometer mileage statement before completing the transaction.
- Don`t fool yourself. A car that is ten years old will rarely have less than 100,000 miles on the odometer.
