Odometer Tampering
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton Alberta
Odometer Tampering
Fellas,
I just bought this car today sight unseen http://www.drewford.com/inventoryDis...ost=El%20Cajon
It has low miles and everything appears to be in good shape excepts the 6-9 area on the steering wheel, I'm wondering if anybody else has seen wear on their steering wheels at this mileage? I suggested to the salesperson that I was worried that the odometer may have been tampered with but he assured me that if it were it would have been revealed when they plugged it into their computer during the inspection, do you know if what he is describing is even possible?
I know people who have disconnected the odometer/speedometer or put a toggle switch in so that they can turn it on and off in order to keep miles low on the vehicle and keep it on warranty. The CARFAX doesnt report odometer tampering but there also aren't any reports between the time it was new and now.
I appreciate the help and opinions.
I just bought this car today sight unseen http://www.drewford.com/inventoryDis...ost=El%20Cajon
It has low miles and everything appears to be in good shape excepts the 6-9 area on the steering wheel, I'm wondering if anybody else has seen wear on their steering wheels at this mileage? I suggested to the salesperson that I was worried that the odometer may have been tampered with but he assured me that if it were it would have been revealed when they plugged it into their computer during the inspection, do you know if what he is describing is even possible?
I know people who have disconnected the odometer/speedometer or put a toggle switch in so that they can turn it on and off in order to keep miles low on the vehicle and keep it on warranty. The CARFAX doesnt report odometer tampering but there also aren't any reports between the time it was new and now.
I appreciate the help and opinions.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
Take down the VIN and stop by your Chevrolet dealer. Very nicely ask the service writer, service manager etc to look up the service history. Tell them your a potential new customer. The service history will tell you a lot.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,098
Likes: 8
From: Dayton Ohio
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Brett Foote
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Cheatham County TN
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Could it be from the previous owner's method of getting in and out of the Vette?
Obviously, it bothers you, so I would call the previous owner and simply ask he/she.
Obviously, it bothers you, so I would call the previous owner and simply ask he/she.
Last edited by Hutch45; May 5, 2010 at 08:57 AM. Reason: Added statement
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 57,408
Likes: 164
From: queensbury ny
Well,that's the first Vette I've seen with the wheel that bad.However, GM does not put high grade material in our Vette's,that no secret. Apparently,whoever owned it always held the wheel there and their skin oils have had an effect which is what you're seeing most likely.I wouldn't worry about rollback because there to many ways to find out and checking service history or Carfax/autocheck are 2 of them.I'd be more concerned of why it's a BUYBACK VEHICLE and depending on that,I wouldn't pay top dollar for it either.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 54
From: Granbury, Pecan Plantation TX
I know people who have disconnected the odometer/speedometer or put a toggle switch in so that they can turn it on and off in order to keep miles low on the vehicle and keep it on warranty. The CARFAX doesnt report odometer tampering but there also aren't any reports between the time it was new and now.
I appreciate the help and opinions.
I appreciate the help and opinions.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Negotiate a new wheel with the dealer.
I have seen cars with 7k have seats that look worn out. Your car was probably
driven by somene with really rough hands.
I have seen cars with 7k have seats that look worn out. Your car was probably
driven by somene with really rough hands.
Last edited by Blevinator; May 5, 2010 at 10:11 AM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Well,that's the first Vette I've seen with the wheel that bad.However, GM does not put high grade material in our Vette's,that no secret. Apparently,whoever owned it always held the wheel there and their skin oils have had an effect which is what you're seeing most likely.I wouldn't worry about rollback because there to many ways to find out and checking service history or Carfax/autocheck are 2 of them.I'd be more concerned of why it's a BUYBACK VEHICLE and depending on that,I wouldn't pay top dollar for it either.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 5
From: Plainfield, IL
No I would not worry about odometer fraud as its not not something easy to do in these cars.
As for the steering wheel everyone pretty much covered it already could be from hand lotion, rings, use of the wheel to get in and out of the car etc etc. Anything can cause that if its actually wear on the wheel and not something that can be cleaned off then I would simply replace with a new steering wheel and she will be like new again.
James
As for the steering wheel everyone pretty much covered it already could be from hand lotion, rings, use of the wheel to get in and out of the car etc etc. Anything can cause that if its actually wear on the wheel and not something that can be cleaned off then I would simply replace with a new steering wheel and she will be like new again.
James
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Suggestions:
1. Clean up steering wheel as much as practical.
2. Inspect rest of car for possible work needed- fluid changes, suspension alignment, etc.
Perform any work needed.
3. Enjoy the car; try to wear it out by driving, including some hard driving.
Bet you can't wear it out!
1. Clean up steering wheel as much as practical.
2. Inspect rest of car for possible work needed- fluid changes, suspension alignment, etc.
Perform any work needed.
3. Enjoy the car; try to wear it out by driving, including some hard driving.
Bet you can't wear it out!
