Is Odometer Tampering Common in Germany – Fact or Fiction?

Is Odometer Tampering Common in Germany – Fact or Fiction?
Good condition of the vehicle’s mechanisms and appearance are factors that increase the chances of selling a car profitably. Often, sellers in pursuit of a better deal resort to manipulations to hide the truth about the car. One such method is “tampering” with the odometer reading. What does this method mean, does odometer tampering occur in Germany, and how can you avoid buying a car with an altered odometer or one that has been in an accident?
There is a belief that everything in Germany is honest, and no one tampers with the odometer, so you can trust every word a seller says. Inexperienced buyers often follow this belief – they go to German car dealerships or car lots, pick out a used car, and trust the dealer without hesitation. However, tampering with the odometer reading does happen in Germany, albeit carefully and skillfully.
An excessively high mileage reduces the value of a car. Therefore, dishonest sellers, during the time they use the car, may tamper with the dashboard and use special methods, including tampering with seals, to reduce the actual figures. To document the reduced numbers, they may visit official service centers for minor repairs, ensuring the protocol shows the adjusted readings. When selling the car, this allows them to present it in a better light and hide critical mileage figures.
However, the country’s legislation does not protect buyers who purchase cars from private sellers. Even if fraud is discovered after the contract is signed, there is no possibility of compensation.
Dealers can also adjust the mileage of a car they are selling. The likelihood of encountering a tampered odometer is higher if the car was previously imported from France, Italy, or Belgium. If you purchase a vehicle with tampered mileage, it is difficult to prove your case in court, as it is impossible to confirm where exactly the odometer was tampered with – by the owner (or multiple owners), the dealership, or a middleman. Additionally, you must read the contract very carefully before signing it. A few added letters in the contract may allow the dealer to completely disclaim responsibility for the mileage, which was supposedly just recorded based on the previous owner’s words.
What to Do If You Buy a Car Involved in an Accident
Another popular trick is selling a car that has been in an accident as if it is an undamaged model. To avoid purchasing damaged goods, you should take precautions – sign a sales agreement (notarization is not required). Make sure the contract includes the mileage and a description of whether the car has been in an accident. These factors are mandatory.
If the documents state that the car was not in an accident, but it turns out otherwise during use, the buyer has a chance to prove their case:

• Go to court.
• Prove that the concealed accident significantly affected the car’s condition.
• The court will side with the buyer if the seller’s deception is confirmed.
• You may be entitled to a full refund or a reduction in the price (if the legal process occurs before the full payment is made).

Be careful – it is best to consult a professional for an inspection during negotiations to avoid purchasing an accident car in Germany.
Help from a Specialist
If you have doubts about independently choosing a car that fully matches your preferences, you can seek assistance from a relevant company. Automotive specialists will carefully inspect the body condition, compare the appearance with the reported figures, and look for evidence or refutations of tampering.
Be cautious!
Sincerely,
CAR-CHECK24