Cars24 Launches New Digital Tool To Detect Odometer Fraud
Cars24 has rolled out a new probability-based tool to flag possible odometer tampering in used cars. It is being described as a way to make the pre-owned car market safer for buyers. But can a digital score truly protect someone from being cheated on mileage, or is it just one more piece of the puzzle?
The Scale of the Problem
Odometer rollback is one of the most common tricks in the used-car market. A car that has actually done 90,000 km can be made to look like it has only covered 45,000 km. That instantly pushes up its resale value by tens of thousands of rupees. Studies and dealer experiences suggest that up to 20 per cent of cars sold in India could have suspect odometer readings.
For a buyer, it is not just about overpaying. A tampered odometer can hide the real wear and tear on the engine, suspension and gearbox. This means higher maintenance costs and safety risks down the line.
What the Cars24 Tool Promises
The new feature does not declare a car genuine or fake. Instead, it gives a probability score based on the car’s age, typical usage patterns and any data available from past records. A high score is a warning sign that the mileage does not match what is expected.
In theory, this nudges buyers to dig deeper before closing a deal. For example, a used sedan from 2017 showing only 20,000 km would be flagged as unusual unless backed by strong paperwork.
Where It Might Fall Short
The challenge lies in the data itself. Not all cars have consistent service records uploaded to digital platforms. Many workshops still record information on paper, and independent garages, which handle a large chunk of India’s servicing, do not always feed data back into any central system. Without strong, verifiable data, a probability score may be based more on averages than hard facts.
There is also the issue of how buyers interpret the result. A high probability of fraud does not prove tampering, and a low score does not guarantee honesty. An overconfident buyer could treat the tool as a final stamp of approval and skip more reliable checks like inspecting service logs or running government registration data.
The Bigger Picture in Used-Car Sales
India’s used-car market is vast and disorganised. Platforms like Cars24, Spinny and OLX Autos have tried to bring structure through online listings and instant pricing tools. But odometer fraud is a deeper problem linked to weak enforcement and patchy documentation.
Until service histories are fully digitised and linked to registration databases, no algorithm can completely eliminate mileage fraud. What such tools can do is raise awareness and force more caution among buyers. In that sense, Cars24’s step is less a solution and more a signal that platforms are at least acknowledging the issue.
What Buyers Should Still Do
For now, the advice remains unchanged: treat mileage as a starting point, not the final word. Always check the service history booklet, cross-check with manufacturer records where possible, and if in doubt, get an independent inspection. Even simple details like looking at pedal wear, seat condition or tyre age can give clues about how much a car has really run.
Cars24’s tool can be useful in highlighting suspicious cases, but it cannot replace old-fashioned diligence. Buyers who rely only on the score risk being lulled into a false sense of security.
By offering the tool, Cars24 has raised the conversation around odometer fraud. That in itself is positive. But for now, buyers should see it as an early warning, not a green light. The real safeguard lies in a combination of technology, transparent records and personal vigilance.