HPI warns consumers of the risk of ‘clocking’

As British Summer Time has ended and we have turned the clocks back, HPI wants us all to be aware of another type of clock which shouldn’t be changed. Used car buyers need to watch out for unscrupulous sellers who turn vehicle clocks back. Traditionally ‘clockers’ had to physically tamper with the odometer to wind back the mileage, but today’s digital displays mean miles can be erased without a trace, leaving many buyers in the dark. HPI raises awareness of the issue and offers used car buyers top tips on spotting possible signs of clocking.

“When people turn their clocks back this Sunday, we’d like them to remember how easy it is for an unscrupulous seller to do the same on their potential purchase,” explains Nick Lindsay, Director of HPI. “Modern digital odometers make it easy for clockers to turn back the miles without leaving the normal signs of damaged screws or poorly aligned numbers to alert buyers.

“A vehicle that has been clocked can add hundreds or possibly even thousands of pounds to its value, something best avoided in the current economic climate. In addition, a clocked vehicle might be hiding unexpected wear and tear, which could be expensive or even dangerous. An HPI Check provides a mileage check as standard, offering used car buyers the ultimate in peace of mind.”

When buyers conduct their HPI Check, the mileage of the vehicle is automatically cross-referenced against the HPI’s comprehensive National Mileage Register, which has over 125 million records. 7 in every 100 vehicles checked with HPI shows a discrepancy in the vehicle’s mileage and many of those will prove to be fraudsters keen to get a higher price for their vehicle.

HPI Checks are available at www.hpicheck.com from just £19.99. With more vehicle information than anybody else, HPI provides instant confirmation as to whether a vehicle has been stolen, written-off, clocked, or has outstanding finance. Lindsay concludes, “Buyers who conduct an HPI Check can rest assured that they have done everything they can to ensure that the car they are buying is showing the correct mileage. Plus, of course the car will also be checked for finance, theft and insurance write-offs.