The Ultimate Guide to Detecting Mileage Fraud in Kenya
Odometer rollback (known locally as "clocking") is the most common fraud in Kenya's used car market. Estimates suggest 1 in 10 cars listed online has tampered mileage. Here is how you spot it like a pro.
Professional Verification
Our DIY tool uses mechanic-grade checkpoints
Why It Matters
A car with 200,000 km sold as 80,000 km doesn't just lose value—it's a ticking time bomb. You'll face major component failures (timing belts, transmissions, injectors) much earlier than expected.
1. The "Physical Sync" Check
Sellers can change the digits on the dashboard, but they rarely change the wear on the car's contact points. Look for these three major discrepancies:
The Pedals
A car with "40,000km" should have almost new rubber on the brake and accelerator. If they are worn down to the metal, the car has done over 150,000km.
Steering Wheel
Shiny, smoothed-out leather or plastic on the steering wheel rim usually starts appearing after 100,000 km of city driving.
Door Latches
Check the "striker" plate on the driver's door frame. Heavy scratches or metal wear indicate thousands of entries/exits.
2. Verification via Auction Sheets
If the car is a fresh import (especially from Japan), always ask for the original Auction Sheet. This document proves the mileage and grade at the time it left Japan.
Fraud Alert: Some sellers provide fake auction sheets. Always use a third-party verification service (like Carvago or Japanese auction archives) to cross-check the VIN number.
3. Digital Diagnostics
Modern cars store mileage in multiple control units—not just the dashboard. An OBD2 scanner can often reveal the "True Mileage" hidden in the Transmission Control Module or the ABS system.
Stop Being a Victim
Our DIY Inspection App includes a dedicated section for Fraud Detection. We guide you where to look and what photos to take so you can verify the truth.