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can a mechanic tell whether a cars been clocked?

  • 06-06-2009 03:27PM
    #1
    Nulty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,838 ✭✭✭


    can an independant mechanic tell whether a cars been clocked? Whats the best way to find out if it has been?


Comments

  • #2
    Seth Brundle
    Moderators, Politics Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 45,528 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    Possibly.
    There may be visual signs (worn seats & pedals on a low mileage example. Documentation may not line up. etc.

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  • #3
    kazul
    Closed Accounts Posts: 645 ✭✭✭kazul


    If you suspect it has been and you know a little about cars then just assume that it's had a "hair cut". Seems to be an obsession on here of late...


  • #4
    sogood
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,258 ✭✭✭sogood


    Nulty wrote: »
    can an independant mechanic tell whether a cars been clocked? Whats the best way to find out if it has been?

    If its the older type with the numbered wheel, as opposed to digital, after being clocked, the numbers dont always line up properly in a straight horizontal line. More than likely it's digital, which can also be clocked, but harder to tell. Excessive wear on the side of the drivers seat, pedals and look under any mats that may be down for extreme wear in the original carpet. Isnt mileage recorded at NCT's also, so it should tally somewhat? Previous owners where available, can also help confirm or dispute the mileage. Maybe also look for evidence that the dash has been removed or tampered with, as wear on the tops of screw heads, worn or chipped fittings etc.


  • #5
    mickdw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,999 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    Check general condition and all documentation re history. Check all service records to see mileage versus dates. Check any NCTs for mileage.
    Spend time going through the history and cross check all the info whenever possible. If there are service receipts aswell as stamps & NCT, it would be nearly impossible to fiddle the mileage.
    The general condition of the car should be a give away certainly for someone used to looking at cars.
    What age type of car are you looking at?
    For example, on a newish car, it could be very hard to tell the difference between 25,000and 70,000 miles. Paperwork (or lack of) should be a big hint here and dont fall for the old excuse that the history is still with the owner etc but not available today.
    If its an older car, condition will often give it away. A car should be perfect with 80 to 90,000 miles on the clock. If you feel its not quite right or loose or shows wear internally, well there is a strong chance of clocking.
    Digital clocks are easier to fiddle than the old ones.
    Dont be afraid to ring dealers to verify the service history as recorded and also previous owners if possible.


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