HPI, the UK’s leading source of motor vehicle information, has warned used car buyers to beware of the growing number of used cars that are being clocked. When it comes to vehicle type, 22% of small cars top the clocker’s list, 15% for compact executive cars and just 3% for MPVs.

Nicola Johnson of HPI said,”Our analysis shows that clockers are avoiding the high end vehicles and concentrating on the every day vehicles. The relative ease of clocking these vehicles combined with the sheer volume being sold represents the quickest buck for them and the biggest risk to the consumer”.

Ms Johnson went onto say,”Worringly clocked vehicles may also represent a safety concern. Vehicles with incorrect mileages may have also missed important services and part replacement dates, making them unreliable and potentially un-roadworthy”.

8 out of every 100 cars checked by HPI show a mileage discrepancy so here is the HPI checklist to  make sure you can spot a potentially clocked vehicle.

1. Check the service history and look for mileages and stamps from genuine dealers.
2. Speak to the previous keeper to ask them the mileage when they sold it.
3. Trust your judgement – look for any evidence of clocking i.e. was it registered to a company yet has only done less than 12,000 miles per year?
4. Check the mileage – it has been know for clockers to wind back the mileage when you first view the vehicle and then wind it forward again to the correct mileage when you take delivery.
5. Look for signs for wear and tear – does the wear and tear on the vehicle match its mileage i.e. worn seats?

Buying  used cars can be a stressful process so before you buy a used car why not look at leasing a brand new car? The pros and cons of doing this are highlighted on the car leasing versus car buying  useful information page. You might be surprised by what you can for your money.