Can the Odometer be reset back to its actual mileage?

Question

I'm looking into buying a 97 Civic with 147K miles (supposedly). However I'm a bit suspicious, the dealership (which looks like a hole in the wall) doesn't know much about the past history of the car, yet they provided the VIN, and I was able to purchase a Carfax report. On the report, the Car has had 5 owners (including dealerships), it had been stolen once, and the odometer had an inconsistent reading for one of the owners. I test-drove the car, and it seemed ok, but I'm still suspicious because the dealership has lowered the price 3 times this month, from $3500 to $2,800. Clearly this is below its market value and seems to good to be true as it seems as though they simply might be trying to get rid of this car. I know Honda Civics are supposed to be good cars, but I'm not sure about this one.

..Also I had two (bootleg) mechanics that looked at the car, both saying that the car is in good condition, but they inspected the car within 5 minutes

Answer 1

The dealers have been known to do that.

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If you suspect, move on to other cars. There are many used cars out there.  MSNBC had a news story on where is the best places to buy used cars. The used car dealers were on the BOTTOM of the list. They are pros at negotiations (and you and I are rank amateurs), they are pros at hiding problems on their cars, etc.

The private sales (newspaper, etc.) were the best places. The seller will not tell you all the problems, but they don't know how to hide them.

And a private seller are at MOST they are equal in negotiation skills to you and me.

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My 94 Civic can get 41 MPG (and I was doing 72 for the mileage test). The engine + tranny + suspension runs like new. It ain't no beauty but it is rock solid. If I had to sell it, I would not get more than few thousand dollars. This is the kind of car you want to look for.

Just take your time, as good old used cars are cheap but hard to come by.

Good Luck...

Answer 2

If it had had the odometer touched you have a TMU True Miles Unknown. That rates up there with the plague and frame damage as far as killing the value of a car and the # of miles really doesn't matter it can be off just a couple of hundred and it might as well be 50 K.

Offer 2000 as at the end of a halter rope, I bet they take it if you have the cash. Just be ready to do all repairs at that price.

Answer 3

Hm. Define "actual mileage".

I wouldn't touch that thing with a 20' pole.

Answer 4

It's probably okay, but whenever I get "bad vibes" about something...I walk away!

Answer 5

dont trust them!!!