Odometer

[audaciousduo]

Well,

Insurance paid out after my cruiser burned to the ground and we are on the hunt for a new 80 to replace the old one. I'm finding it strange that every cruiser on a used car lot has only 115K on it while most of the private sales average 200k. Is there a way to roll the odometer back on these trucks and what clues should I look for. I've seen a few screw heads on the instrument panel that look like they have seen a screwdriver recently but other than that I'm not sure what to look for. Call me paranoid but I got royally screwed by an unscrupulous used car salesman when I was young and its not ever happening again.

Thanks

 

[IdahoDoug]

Aren't there a whole raft of title history search companies out there? It's so easy a cave man could do it*



















*No cavemen were killed to research this statement. No resemblance to any real cavemen implied or intended. Void where offer restricted or amended by local law. Your mileage may vary.

DougM

 

[zcruiser]

I would expect it would be tough to do, given what Doug says...

 

[twbland]

I just bought a 97 LX450 with 98K miles on the odo. However, I did a CARFAX first and found the last reported mileage was 150K...So, yes it's being done out there. Gave me some extra leverage to neg. Not sure if it was rolled or replaced? Federal laws does not require mileage reporting on cars over 10 years old..they are EXEMPT. Buyer beware! Guess they don't think you'll check. Spend the $30 and get a CARFAX or check with the dealer for service records....

 

[ozfjz80]

Yes, It is done without too much of a problem. It takes around 1~2 hours if you are familiar with pulling off the dash fascia. You would not know it if the "rewinder" was careful with his fingerprints on the flat black speedo backgrounds and took their time with some small screwdrivers making sure the numbers all line up when done. I wouldn't use driver marks a evidence as the panel could be off for a few other reasons eg. alarm leds, cleaning the vents/dash properly, accessory wires etc. etc

Also this is a long shot, if you still have standard rolling Dia tyres your speedo should be fairly accurate. The needle needs to come off to get to the number dial and there is no locating pin when putting it back on, this leaves room for error when pushing it back on.

I have found this a good way to calibrate (against a GPS) the speedo with 35" tyres although don't put the dash back together until the needle is in the right spot.

I see a flamming for knowing this stuff:whoops:

 

[audaciousduo]

Good information. I'll get the car fax if I ever find one I like.

Thanks fella's