Car Odemeter

[Mcdotty101]

I am a prospective buyer for a 2003 buick regal. I am getting the car from a lot and dealer that I trust. I am a little leary because the milleage on the car is 70,000, but the dealer told me the odometer was broken when he got the car and has since then been fixed. I asked where he came with the 70,000 figure and he said that is what showed on the odometer last. Is there another way I can find out the true miles on the car? Please advise! I dont believe he is trying to screw me, I just want to be extra cautious

['97ventureowner]

The dealer can obtain a Carfax for you to show any possible odometer readings in the past for logged events. Although that may not show anything, having him obtain one for you shows good faith on his behalf. Also he could contact the DMV to see any records for titles in the past that were issued as the odometer reading is part of the application for a title in most states.

[Mcdotty101]

Is it a dealers obligation to supply Carfax reports, or is it not something that they are required to do...

and also, have you ever heard of a situation where the odemeter stops...or should that post a red flag in my head that someone tampered with the vehicle?

Can I contact the DMV personally or is that only dealers?

Sorry - lots of question

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Mcdotty101

Is it a dealers obligation to supply Carfax reports, or is it not something that they are required to do...

and also, have you ever heard of a situation where the odemeter stops...or should that post a red flag in my head that someone tampered with the vehicle?

Can I contact the DMV personally or is that only dealers?

Sorry - lots of question

It's not their obligation, but many do as an "incentive" to get people to buy their vehicles. They (the dealers) sign up for the dealer program which Carfax offers, and then can offer the reports on the vehicles they sell.
I have seen instances where the odometer just stops working. Most times it is an internal parts issue, like on the older vehicles, the plastic gear in the transmission is faulty, or the cable doesn't operate properly, etc. Of course, if there is a failed attempt to "roll back" the odometer, it can break in the process.
Laws pertaining to the release of info vary from state to state so the best thing to do is to contact your state's DMV and inquire if you, yourself can request a title search to see if the odometer readings are correct. If not then maybe the dealer can do it.

[Mcdotty101]

Awesome - thanks! You have really helped me out - I appreciate it!

[BNaylor]

Something doesn't sound right. Ask the dealer what specific part was replaced? Is this a LS or GS model? Both the LS and GS models have a digital odometer display which is controlled by the odometer module located in the IP Cluster. The odometer module is what holds the mileage figure. Input to that comes from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) and PCM module (computer). It can be reprogrammed but not rolled back or forward like older car models.