Ohio Odometer Scam

Car Fraud

There’s always a risk factor when purchasing a used car, and it gets worse when a dealer manipulates the numbers. Recently, an Ohio car dealer found himself in hot water for allegedly rolling back odometer readings on several automobiles. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, Simon Nwaru, the proprietor of S. Automotive Ltd in Whitehall, tampered with the mileage on vehicles between November 2020 and May 2022. Yes, that included turning high-mileage vehicles into seemingly low-mileage deals. Think about it: the mileage on eight vehicles was reportedly trimmed by between 80,000 and 100,000 miles each.

Impact

Odometer fraud, a federal crime, really hits the wallet with consumer losses surpassing $1 billion annually according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nwaru’s case highlights a broader issue: the purchase of used cars with tampered odometers that results in unanticipated maintenance costs and lower resale values for buyers. Take one unfortunate buyer who believed their 2002 Acura MDX had a tidy 132,000 miles. The real figure? 168,120 miles. That’s almost another trip across the continent!

The Driving Feel

It’s worth considering the real-world implications for the everyday driver. A vehicle with 80,000 fewer miles will undoubtedly drive differently. Wear-and-tear on components like the suspension and drivetrain might be masked, leading to unexpected trips to the mechanic. It’s like a wolf in sheep’s clothing; these cars might seem in top condition during a test drive, yet underperform once put through their paces on longer drives, especially compared to a properly maintained vehicle with an honest record.

More to Consider

This isn’t Nwaru’s first brush with the law. Past interactions with the Ohio Attorney General’s office included allegations of misleading mileage disclosures and issues with titles and salvage declarations. Unraveling these complex cases is critical to protecting consumer interests and maintaining trust in the used car market.

So, next time the allure of a low-mileage deal comes flashing, consider digging deeper. History checks and vehicle reports aren’t just suggestions—they’re necessities if one wants to avoid becoming the next victim of odometer tampering. Remember, an honest odometer is a happy odometer!