I think I've detected a clocked back Odometer

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Hi Guys,

I am a Newbie Here, Just wanted some help. I am Currently in the Market for a Prado GXL circa 1997-2000

I suspect some people have been clocking back there real odometer reading........!!!!!!

As you watch the odometer roll over. as it goes from .9 to 1 it rolls over to the top odometer. I have notice some vehicles rolling over at .3 and others at .7 etc.

I would have thought that it was always from .9 to 1 .

Can you guys confirm my suspisions???

[Crammy Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Crammy]

Do all the numbers on the ODO line up nicely? If they don't and it's not about to tick over to a larger number than I would definitely be suspicious.

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

I can only speak for what is being done here in the US. The information is from a class I took several years ago at an Insurance fraud seminar.

Actually clocking odometers back is an old trick that isn't done as much because it is easily detected. A dealership can pull the unit and check for a broken seal. If it was glued back it is very noticeable. On newer vehicles the whole instrument panel can be replaced without dealer notice. The original will have a tamper proof sticker with a vin number. To avoid detection it is rolled forward with a hand drill to avoid misalignment of the digits (this can even be done with an older unit, but it has to be rolled over 999,999 plus the desired mileage). In rumor only there is a larger organized crime scheme that involves a computer interface that can change a digital odometer, but of course it's only rumor.

The new trick is to just pill the correct fuse or splice a single wire while driving on long trips and use a GPS as an odometer and speedometer. Some of the older vehicle actually have a mechanical gear that can be removed in about a half hour. On some vehicles a cable to the transmission. If it is unhooked the vacuum will not work correctly, but it can be fixed with a simple line back to the female port on the transmission.

Other things to look for is the wear and tear on the right side of the break pedal, a new rubber cover on the brake pedal, accelerator pedal, dead prdal, access handles, and at the bottom of the door jam from feet scuffing as driver got in and out of vehicle, carper wear or new carpet. If those point have excessive wear than the vehicle may have been used for more miles as indicated. These methods incorporated with a canvas of oil and lube shops that can keep record can help.

-Ben (Insurance fraud investigator)

[Guest Close Guest]

The numbers do line up, but When the big number rolls over its not doing it at .9 to 1.

I've noticed this on 3 Prado's I've taken for a test drive. Mainly on 97 and 98 mdls, as the 99 has a electronic odometer.