View Single Post
Old Aug 9, 2005 | 08:48 AM
  #6  
Jafro's Avatar
Jafro
I'm made of meat!
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,580
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Default

Originally Posted by P()()RB@Y
I knwo whats up with states like Georgia and Arkansas thta dont require inspection?


Is there anyway to tell the actual milage on a car or motor, if the odometer had been swapped?
Yes, if you use common sense. You do have SOME info about the car, and its mileage. If you can deduct from that info... how old it is vs. how many miles have passed, you can figure out if it's a logical amount of use. Of course, if it's a 5-speed and the gauge cluster has a big ...

P
R
N
D
D2
D3
D4

... going through the middle of it, my guess is the cluster could have been changed (either that or the transmission has). But if the cluster gets changed, it doesn't necessarily mean the mileage is wrong.

A rusted out undercarriage in GA on a car with 86k miles is unusual (if it's there). They don't get much snow or ice at all, and they never salt the roads when they do. At least not like they do in VA and states north of there.

If the rubber texture on the pedals is worn smooth, chances are it has a lot more than 80k miles on it.

If lots of little plastic parts throughout the interior are cracked or broken, chances are it's got more than 86k miles on it.

How many new parts are on the car? It shouldn't need its first timing belt until 90k. Has it been changed? If not, the mileage is most likely accurate. If so, how long ago? If it were changed pre-maturely, it may have suffered some engine damage or been in an accident... but there are other easy ways to determine that. Like...

Is there any overspray in the wheel wells, radiator or on the suspension parts on the underside of the car?

Look for "tool prints" on bolt heads and screws that signify that someone has taken them loose before. A "tool print" is a mark left by a mechanic. They come in 3 forms. 1) rounded off bolt corners 2) stripped screws 3) broken paint marks that the factory leaves on some bolts to mark their torque. You gotta know your shit to find #3.

It's not unusual to find low mile cars. My GF had a '94 Ford Probe with 60k on it. It's totalled now, but that's an uncommon find. I've been finding '95 GSX's in my area lately with 60k on them. Garage queens. You can find them.
Reply