Forged mileage on second hand cars from Germany

Every second hand car sold in Germany has the mileage forged.

German Automobile Club is trying to combat this phenomenon with the help of the authorities by raids and other measures.

The German market for second hand cars was always an attraction for buyers from Central and Eastern Europe.

Including Romania, numerous people have bought second hand cars from Germany for personal use or to resell in the country.

They were apparently cheaper, better, more reliable.

It seems, however, that reality is quite different.

According to German police, about two million second hand cars sold annually in the Federal Republic, the mileage is faked.

It is about a third of the resold used vehicles.

The damage amounts to 6 billion euros, meaning 3,000 euros per car, and are borne entirely by buyers.

Mileage handling is extremely simple, with an electronic device and takes less than 30 seconds.

Operation cost is low, around 50 euros, according to the tenders on the internet.

In addition it leaves no traces that can be found at further technical examinations.

Only from the vehicle documents might reveal any signs of odometer tampering.

Measures to prevent mileage counterfeiting

German Automobile Club ADAC launched a campaign against the phenomenon.

On the one hand, ADAC requires the automobiles manufacturers to take technical measures.

These measures could block or significantly impair the odometer handling and it wouldn’t cost more than a few euros per car- club experts argue.

On the other hand, the law must be much tougher with the odometers counterfeiters.

In March 2011, German police carried out a major round up in Munich region.

Five hundred agents have raided houses, car workshops, car dealers headquarters.

There were seized over 300 vehicles.

Similar actions took place at the same time in Koln and Dortmund, but also in Bulgaria, Sweden and Italy.

There is a need for more such actions – urges ADAC.
In Germany are currently on trial or are to be tried in about 90 odometers counterfeiters and car dealers that work with them.

Following the round up in Munich, the technical brain of the concerned group, a 41-year engineer , was arrested and subsequently sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

But the German Automobile Club wants higher penalties , that would really scare those who are making fortunes by deceiving the buyers of second hand vehicles.


Translated by Denisse-Meda Bucura
MTTLC, Bucharest University