These Models Are Clocked More Often Than You’d Think

And here’s the kicker - it’s not just old bangers being clocked. Some of the UK’s most popular cars, from everyday hatchbacks to luxury saloons, are high on the list of the most frequently clocked models. If you think you’re safe because you’re buying a newer car or one with “full history” - think again.

In this article, we’ll reveal which used cars are most often clocked, why these models are targeted, and how a quick car history check can save you from falling for one of the UK’s most expensive used car scams.

What is Odometer Clocking?

Odometer clocking (also known as mileage tampering) is when a car’s mileage is rolled back to make it look like it’s been driven less than it really has.

Why would someone do this? Easy:

• Boost resale value - lower mileage cars fetch more money.

• Hide wear and tear - makes a tired car look fresher.

• Fool buyers - into thinking it’s a “low mileage bargain”.

The problem is, clocked cars often have hidden problems - worn brakes, engines past their prime, or timing belts long overdue.

Why Do Certain Models Get Clocked More?

Not all cars are equally attractive to clockers. Some are bigger targets because:

• High resale value - premium cars look more appealing with lower mileage.

• Fleet and company cars - rack up motorway miles quickly, making them easy clocking candidates.

• Popular models - high demand makes it easier to shift a dodgy example.

• Durability - some cars can hide their true age well, making clocking harder to spot.

The Most Commonly Clocked Cars in the UK

Here are some of the models most frequently flagged in mileage fraud cases:

Spotlight on the Big Three

BMW 3 Series

It’s one of the UK’s most popular company cars - and that makes it a magnet for clockers. Many 3 Series models cover 20,000+ miles a year, so dropping them down to “respectable” mileage makes them easier to sell for thousands more.

Audi A3

Small, stylish, and aspirational. The A3 is often bought by younger buyers who value low mileage. Unscrupulous sellers know they can pocket extra cash by shaving thousands of miles off the clock.

Mercedes C-Class

Executive saloons like the C-Class are driven hard on motorways. Clocking one back from 120k to 70k miles can bump its value up massively - but the hidden wear remains.

The True Cost of Buying a Clocked Car

At first, it might look like you’ve bagged a bargain. But the hidden costs quickly catch up:

• Extra repairs - worn engines, clutches, brakes, and suspension parts.

• Lower resale value - once the true mileage surfaces, your car’s worth plummets.

• Insurance risk - incorrect mileage can void claims.

• Legal trouble - buying or selling a clocked car can involve fraud investigations.

How to Spot a Clocked Car

Clocking is harder to detect than it used to be - digital odometers can be altered in minutes with the right equipment. But here are some red flags:

• MOT history doesn’t match - mileage should steadily rise, not dip.

• Service book gaps - suspicious or missing stamps.

• Wear and tear - shiny mileage vs worn pedals, steering wheel, or seats.

• Suspiciously low mileage - for the car’s age or type (e.g. a 10-year-old diesel with 40k miles).

• Price seems too good to be true - it usually is.

Real-Life Example

Imagine this: you find a 2017 BMW 3 Series listed with 50k miles. Price looks fair, seller seems trustworthy. But after a vehicle history check, you discover the mileage was recorded as 95k in its last MOT.

That “low mileage gem” suddenly turns into a financial disaster waiting to happen.

Why a History Check is Essential

A car history check can uncover:

• Mileage inconsistencies across MOT records.

• Previous write-offs or insurance claims.

• Whether the car has outstanding finance.

• Stolen car status.

It’s the easiest way to avoid paying over the odds for a car that isn’t what it claims to be.

FAQs About Clocked Cars

1. Is clocking illegal in the UK?
Yes - altering an odometer with intent to sell is fraud.

2. Can I accidentally buy a clocked car?
Absolutely - and many drivers do without realising until later.

3. How much money does clocking cost UK buyers each year?
Millions - with estimates running into the hundreds of millions in hidden losses.

4. Are digital odometers safe from clocking?
No - they’re actually easier to alter than old mechanical ones.

5. What’s the best way to protect myself?
Always run a history check and cross-reference MOT mileage.

Final Thought: Don’t Be Fooled by the Numbers

Clocking is one of the oldest scams in the UK used car market - and it’s still thriving today. The models most affected aren’t rare classics or dodgy imports - they’re everyday favourites like BMWs, Audis, and Fords.

If you only judge a car by the mileage showing on its dash, you’re playing a dangerous game. Always back it up with proper checks. A quick vehicle history check gives you the truth behind the numbers - and could save you from buying a car worth thousands less than you paid.