Buying Used Japanese Cars - A Warning.

[gav240z]

Hi Guys,

I have it on pretty good authority that certain dealers are advertising cars with lower km's on their clocks than what they have actually travelled. The astute amongst us will know what I mean when I say read between the lines.

 

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/reading-the-riot-act-to-dodgy-car-dealers-over-odometer-tricks/story-fni0cx12-1226759295622

 

Certain used car dealers on Parramatta Road in Sydney have been caught out quite a few times. They can of course get out of it, if they deny knowledge of this happening it would seem.

 

If you're thinking of buying a used Japanese car you can get an Odometer check done using a service like this.

https://www.facebook.com/Odometercheck

[dat2kman]

This has been going on since,,,,,,,, oh,,,,,,,,, the 1960's !!

 

Caveat emptor!  (buyer beware!)

 

It would be an extremely rare occurance, for any used car dealer to operate fully ethically, with the interests of the purchaser in mind!

[Zedman240®]

From what I have seen, the whole car becomes like an "odometer" itself; when you see a car with virtually no wear on the inside and the car doesn't look like its been through hell, you know the kilometers must be close to what is shown, and there are others I have seen with nearly everything worn out with half of the expected kilometers showing...alarm bells should start going off. Best thing to look for are the small clues and things that just don't look right.

[evolutionise]

Unfortunately, dodgy car dealer are everywhere.... no matter where you go.

Same goes to some of the private car sellers.

 

I for one never believe what's on the odometer, but rather the look at the car as a whole to figure out if the k's are somewhat real.

[NZeder]

Not sure about oz but this was a big issue in the 90's here in NZ with grey imports. NZ government had to step in to satisfy the consumer and all imports must now have their odo certified, there a few who still try it on and they have large fines and import licenses or restrictions placed on them.

[Ledge]

Im one of those people that don't care about the odometer anyway.

 

I tend to base my decision on the interior of the car. This is where the

previous owner sits. If they don't look after that the sure as hell wont give

a rats arse about the rest of the car.

 

But as Jason said Caveat emptor.

[gav240z]

Hey guys,

I'm well aware that winding the clocks back is as old as time in the used car business, and I'm also aware that the odometer reading on most old Nissan's like the 240z is not really a big deal. However if someone is going to do that sort of thing, I'd be very wary about what else they are willing to do or hide on such vehicles.

 

So if anyone is looking to buy a classic Zed or any other historic Nissan for example through an importer - as you guys said. Caveat emptor.

 

I figure I would post this to warn others who may be interested in finding their dream vehicle and are a little more green in this area than the more experienced amongst us (which seems to be all those who replied above).

 

I agree interior condition is a good indicator of how many km's have been travelled, but I have also recently seen efforts to hide wear and tear through the purchase of new steering wheels, seat covers, gear knobs etc..

 

So always do due diligence and I can't stress this enough, don't get caught up in the emotional side of buying your dream car. I know it's easier said than done, but often a moment of clarity like speaking to another member, asking the forum etc.. can be good advice. Of course sometimes you can miss a great deal also if you hesitate.

[JOC Australia]

Thank you GAV240z for welcoming us to this forum.

 

We have been in contact with Mr. Rolfe from the Daily Telegraph in Australia and we have now checked the vehicle in question and passed the document on to Mr. Rolfe.

 

You can view it on our FB page, like and share to spread the word. There are quite a few of our customer now involving the Australian Department of Trading.

 

https://www.facebook.com/Odometercheck

[gav240z]

JOC has offered our forum members a discount if they are getting an odometer check.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/japaneseoc/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

 

1. 25% discount on our eBay price for regular checks and

2. Monthly special offers of 25% discount on their express check servie.

 

Just mention the Auszcar forum when purchasing through their eBay store to avail of the discount.