KUALA LUMPUR: Tampered odometers to show low or decent mileage on a car are not unheard of among used car dealers.
A reader of The Star came across such a vehicle recently when he was looking at buying a used 2014 pick-up truck from a dealer in Kuala Lumpur.
The pick-up truck as advertised with a 70,000km mileage but upon checking the vehicle's service records with the auto distributor, the mileage was recorded as RM104,000 in 2017.
When contacted by Carsifu.my, an automotive specialist said special tools are needed to reset the electronic odometer, unlike the older analog odometer which can be reset by using an electric drill.
"There are enough crooked used car dealers out there, for some enterprising freelancers to invest in these special tools and offer their services. Besides used cars, re-setting the odometer is also done for re-conditioned cars in order to raise mileage for valuation for the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, following which the mileage is lowered when the car is ready for sale," he said.
Carsifu.my also checked with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) and a spokesperson said victims of such unscrupulous car dealers can file complaints with any branches of the ministry.
The ministry will then investigate the complaint and the vehicle's records before making decisions on the action to be taken.
The victims can also file for redress at the Consumer Claims Tribunal, where the total amount claimed does not exceed RM25,000.
