Have you ever gone car shopping and come home with a vehicle that has had its miles altered? It can be a bit intimidating and nerve-wracking, but with the right knowledge and information, you can be sure that you’re making the right decision. In this article, I’ll provide you with the information you need to understand why altered miles may or may not be a red flag and what you should look out for when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle.
Odometer tampering is a serious problem that can negatively affect a vehicle’s value and put the safety of its drivers at risk. To protect yourself from this type of fraud, it’s important to be aware of the signs that may point to odometer tampering.
One of the main signs of odometer tampering is if a vehicle’s odometer reading does not match the wear and tear that is seen on the vehicle. If a vehicle has a low odometer reading, but the interior and exterior show signs of a lot of wear and tear, this could be a sign that the odometer has been tampered with.
Additionally, if the odometer readings are not in a natural progression (e.g. jumping from 10,000 miles to 40,000 miles), this could also be a sign of odometer fraud.
Other signs of odometer tampering include if the odometer display has recently been changed or if the odometer is missing or disconnected. Additionally, if the vehicle’s service records don’t match the odometer reading, this could be an indication of tampering.
For more information on arbitration and other frequently asked odometer tampering questions, click here.
In order to avoid issues like odometer tampering or other scams car dealers do utilize to earn money while selling you a defective vehicle, it pays to do your research. There are also things to plan on doing while you are car shopping that will help you avoid bringing home a lemon.
Put the following on your to-do list the day you head out to find a new vehicle – or shortly before:
- Research the make and model of car you are interested in
- Check the vehicle’s safety and reliability ratings
- Test drive the car to get a feel for the performance
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy it
- Compare prices to make sure you get a good deal
- Make sure the odometer is accurate and hasn’t been tampered with
- Check the vehicle history to ensure it hasn’t been in any serious accidents
- Check for recalls to make sure the car is safe
- Understand the terms of any financing or warranties offered
- Look into insurance costs for the car
- Ask questions and read reviews to get more information about the car
It’s important to be aware of the signs of odometer tampering so that you can protect yourself from fraud. If any of these signs are present, it’s best to have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic or technician to confirm that the odometer has not been tampered with.
If you think you have been a victim of odometer tampering contact Allen Stewart. The consultation is free.
The Texas lemon law allows consumers who have purchased or leased a new or used car in Texas to seek remedies if the vehicle does not perform as expected or promised. If the car has a defect or condition that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, then you may be able to seek remedies under the lemon law.
In relation to odometer tampering, the Texas lemon law does not provide any specific protection. However, if you suspect odometer tampering and feel that it has impacted the value or safety of the car, then you may be able to seek remedies under the lemon law. In addition, you can also report any suspected odometer tampering to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Under the Texas lemon law, you can either have your defective vehicle repaired – at the manufacturer’s expense; you can have a replacement vehicle provided that is of comparable value to the one you have now (but runs better), or you can get repaid for the vehicle that was defective.
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No matter which option is chosen, the good news is that your vehicle is no longer unreliable and unsafe. You are once again able to get behind the wheel of a vehicle that takes you from Point A to Point B safely and on a daily basis. No more fitting the criteria for the 30 days or more test (a Texas lemon law criteria covered in previous blogs) and being forced to find an alternative way to get to work or go buy milk and bread.
It’s a great feeling when the Texas lemon law helps you get restitution for a vehicle that wasn’t performing as it should have. Not only do you get the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve been treated fairly, but you also get financial relief from the burden of an unreliable car. It’s important to remember that the lemon law is there to protect consumers, so if you think you have a case, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the right people and make sure your rights are being upheld.
Lemon laws are confusing. Read our guide to the lemon law process.
The Texas lemon law provides protection to consumers who purchase or lease a defective motor vehicle. If you have purchased or leased a motor vehicle that has a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle, and the manufacturer or dealer has been unable to repair the defect or condition after a reasonable number of attempts, then you may be able to receive a refund or replacement vehicle under the Texas lemon law.
If you believe you have a valid lemon law claim, it is important to contact a qualified lemon law lawyer who can help you understand your rights and assist in filing a claim. Your lawyer can also negotiate on your behalf with the manufacturer or dealer to help resolve your claim and ensure you get the maximum compensation available. Additionally, your lawyer will be able to explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
It is important to note that in order to take advantage of the Texas lemon law, you must act quickly and file your claim within four years of the purchase or lease date. Your lawyer can help guide you through the process and make sure your rights are fully protected.
A Texas lemon law attorney can help you prep for the case, can help you file the complaint online, and can provide assistance if you need someone to do the running to track down documentation to help you prove your case.
All of this can be done as part of the case, so you don’t have to seek help elsewhere and retain legal representation. All of that comes wrapped up – hopefully with a little bow of knowledge and successful past cases. Your peace of mind can be within reach – you just have to know where to stretch your hand and what number to dial to reach the right lemon law attorney. Give yourself that boost today, and your lemon law case is one step closer to won.