Steve Andrews had been browsing the internet for a pre-owned vehicle when he stumbled upon a reputable dealership in Burnaby, B.C., showcasing a 2012 Subaru that met his requirements. With a young family to transport, including a two-year-old and a one-year-old, Andrews and his partner were in need of a car within their budget. The dealership assured him of the vehicle’s excellent condition and low mileage of just under 98,000 kilometers, which is deemed attractive for used car buyers.
However, shortly after the purchase, mechanical issues arose, prompting Andrews to take the car to a mechanic. The mechanic raised concerns about the odometer reading, leading Andrews to contact a Subaru dealership that had previously conducted a recall repair on the vehicle in 2020. Shockingly, Andrews discovered that the odometer had already displayed 112,000 kilometers during the recall repair, contrary to what was advertised.
Upon presenting evidence of odometer fraud, the dealership, DD Auto, agreed to refund the $13,000 Andrews had paid for the car, claiming ignorance of the fraud and stating that they had been deceived as well. The incident sheds light on the increasing prevalence of odometer fraud, a practice that is challenging to track in Canada due to its integration into broader fraud investigations.
Experts warn that the demand for used cars, fueled by factors such as U.S. auto tariffs, could exacerbate odometer fraud. The ease of manipulating digital odometers using handheld devices poses a significant risk, allowing unscrupulous individuals to alter mileage readings with minimal effort.
Despite efforts to address the issue, such as filing complaints with regulatory bodies like the Vehicle Sales Authority of B.C., consumers remain vulnerable to odometer fraud, especially when purchasing from private sellers. To mitigate risks, buyers are advised to conduct thorough vehicle inspections, request vehicle history reports, and seek the expertise of trusted mechanics before finalizing a purchase.
In light of the ordeal, Andrews and his partner opted for a 2020 Toyota RAV4 from a reputable dealership, prioritizing full maintenance and mileage documentation to ensure peace of mind. As for the problematic Subaru, the dealership has decided not to sell it further but to lease it out, emphasizing the importance of due diligence in used car transactions to avoid falling victim to fraudulent practices.