Import buyers beware: surge is reported in ‘clocking’ across UK

WITH more than 90,000 cars expected to be imported this year, buyers should be on heightened alert over “worrying increases” in clocking across the UK.

According to a major new report, UK motor dealers are concerned that ‘clocking’ of used cars is becoming “increasingly common”.

The figures, from automotive data experts cap hpi, show that a quarter of dealers are concerned that clocking and mileage discrepancies had worsened in the past 12 months.

The data experts calculate there has been a 25pc rise in the number of cars showing mileage discrepancies.

They claim you now have a one-in-16 risk of being landed with a clocked car as opposed to a one-in-20 chance back in 2014.

Among the reasons for the increase is the ease of online access to technologies that can alter digital odometers.

Another attributed factor is the increase in mileage-related finance deals, such as PCPs, whereby motorists try to reduce” the amount they have travelled to avoid penalties for excess. Irish buyers have been snapping up 7,500 imports a month on average this year.

Some industry figures here forecast 95,000 registrations by year’s end. Imports are running at more than 50,000 year to date (38,000 for corresponding 2016 period)

All of which makes the latest revelations on clocking even more relevant – and a history check essential.

Irish experts have consistently warned about levels of clocking, citing discovery of examples where anything from 30,000km to 150,000km have been reduced on used cars, regardless of their origin.

Not alone does that affect the subsequent sell-on or trade-in value of the car for unsuspecting buyers, it could have major wear-and-tear safety implications for them too.