How to Check Mileage Rollback in Used Cars
Buying a used car in the UAE can save you money, but it comes with risks. One big issue is mileage rollback, also called odometer tampering. This happens when sellers change the odometer to show fewer kilometers than the car has really driven. It makes the car look newer and worth more, but it hides real wear and tear.
What is Mileage Rollback and Why is it a Problem
Mileage rollback means lowering the odometer reading on purpose. Sellers do this to sell cars faster and for higher prices. In the UAE, digital odometers make it easier for fraudsters to use tools via the OBD port.
Why it's bad:
- Hidden damage: High real mileage means more wear on the engine, brakes, and tires. You might face big repair bills soon.
- Overpaying: A car with rolled-back 50,000 km might really have 150,000 km, that's 20-30% less value.
- Safety risks: Worn parts can fail on busy roads like Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Legal trouble: If caught selling a tampered car, you could face fines up to Dh50,000 or jail time under UAE fraud laws.
Common Signs of Odometer Tampering in UAE Used Cars
Spotting rollback early saves headaches:
Sign |
What to Check |
Why It Matters |
|
Wear vs. Mileage Mismatch |
Check pedals, seats, and steering wheel for heavy use if km is low (e.g., under 20,000 km should have original tires). |
High wear means the car drove more than shown. |
|
Dashboard Clues |
Look for scratches, missing screws, or an asterisk (*) next to numbers on the odometer. |
Tamperers often open the dash to change it. |
|
Service History Gaps |
Big jumps or drops in km between service dates. |
Shows when rollback happened. |
|
Low km for Age |
A 5-year-old car with under 40,000 km? Suspicious unless it's a rare low-use vehicle. |
UAE drivers average 15,000-20,000 km/year. |
|
Font or Alignment Issues |
On older mechanical odometers, uneven numbers or gaps. |
Signs of manual tweaking. |
How to Check for Mileage Rollback
Follow these easy steps to verify mileage before buying:
Step 1: Get the Vehicle History Report
Start with the basics. Use the car's VIN (17-digit code on dashboard or Mulkiya card) for a free or low-cost check:
-
Free Tools in UAE:
Tool/Service |
Where |
Cost |
What It Shows |
|
Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG) |
evg.gov.ae |
Free |
Mileage history, accidents (not Dubai). |
|
Ministry of Interior (MOI) |
moi.gov.ae |
Free |
Odometer records, theft, fines across UAE. |
|
RTA Dubai |
rta.ae (Technical Vehicle Status) |
AED 120 |
Full history for Dubai plates. |
|
Abu Dhabi Police |
adpolice.gov.ae |
Free |
Accidents, mileage for AD vehicles. |
|
Carfax ME or CarReport |
carfax.me or carreport.ae |
AED 50-100 |
Imported car checks, rollback alerts. |
Step 2: Review Service and Maintenance Records
Ask for all service receipts. Legit ones from workshops like Al-Futtaim or authorized dealers log km and dates. Look for:
- Consistent increases (e.g., 10,000 km per service).
- No big drops.
Step 3: Visual and Physical Inspection
- Test drive: Feel for unusual vibrations or noises from high-mileage wear.
- Check under the hood: Rust or leaks suggest more use.
- Tires/Brakes: If replaced too soon for the shown km, question it.
Step 4: Professional Inspection
Take it to a trusted center for a deep scan.
Top Services in Dubai/Abu Dhabi |
Location |
Cost |
Tools Used |
|
Tasjeel Centers |
UAE-wide |
AED 475 |
ECU scan for digital rollback. |
|
Dubai Police eCrime Unit |
Dubai |
Free report |
Fraud verification. |
|
Al Shamil or Viewing Centers |
Dubai/AD |
AED 300-500 |
Autel/Launch scanners. |
|
Brand Dealers (e.g., Volvo) |
UAE-wide |
AED 200-400 |
ECU history pull. |
|
Dubizzle Cars Hub |
Al Quoz, Dubai |
AED 250 |
Full 150-point check. |
Step 5: Legal Check if Suspicious
If you spot fraud post-buy (within 6 months), act fast.
UAE Laws on Odometer Tampering
Penalties include:
- Fines: Dh10,000-Dh50,000.
- Jail: Up to 2 years.
- Contract annulment: Get full refund + damages (e.g., Dh5,000 in a recent Abu Dhabi case).
FAQs
How common is odometer tampering in Dubai used car market?
Very common, up to 20% of used cars, per reports. Always check the VIN first.
Can digital odometers be rolled back easily?
Yes, with cheap tools (AED 500 online), but ECU scans catch it 90% of the time.
What if I buy from a dealer? Is it safer?
Better, but not foolproof. Certified pre-owned (CPO) programs like Nissan’s include mileage guarantees.
How much does a full inspection cost in Abu Dhabi?
AED 300-500 at Tasjeel or police centers. Worth every dirham!
What to do if I find a rollback after buying?
Gather proof (reports, photos), contact the seller first, then the police within 6 months for a refund.
