Is the odometer not recorded when having yearly inspections? Or do people cheat it before those as well?
Yes you’re right. However it seems that around 30% of the used cars sold from Germany are concerned. A law that is not enforced is a fake law.
kungen@feddit.nu 3 weeks ago
cmhe@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
They are recorded in multiple different events (repairs at a professional service, oil change, inspections, etc.), but as a buyer you would have to become active, ask for and check the papers, contact past owners, inspect the car, etc.
Because changing the odometer is easy and cheap, and can raise the price at an average of 3000€ per car, it is done rather often and not discovered in many cases.
While there are laws against it, the implementation of more manipulation resistant odometers by the car vendors is still not there yet broadly.
cmhe@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
What do you mean with “not enforced”? Do you mean that people that find manipulated odometers with proof go to court and then nothing is done?
warbond@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
When I lived in Germany I found that the people were far more self-policing than Americans. There just seemed to be a general attitude of, “we know we’re not supposed to do that, so we don’t.”
Fully anecdotal, sure, and that was 15 years ago, but nonetheless it’s hard for me to imagine “ze Germans” tampering with odometers to sell cars.
mojofrododojo@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
uhhhhh… this may surprise you, but…
warbond@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Oof, yeah, forgot about that. Yeah, people are people everywhere… I just liked having a more idyllic version of things in my head
zqps@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
It’s likely not your average car owner, more like your average shady used car salesman.