Incorrect MOT mileage noted

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Fri 12 Feb 2016 21:34
Incorrect MOT mileage noted - mfb91

Hi

Looking to see if anyone can shed a bit of light on a previous years MOT being noted incorrectly. I might be selling my current motor in the near future, but a few years back my MOT was noted on the certificate in KM rather than miles. I didn't notice this at the time as the odomoter had been switched during the MOT accidentally when the technician had been resetting codes, I think. Wasn't until over a week later that I informed garage and by that time it was too late to change - appreciate this is my fault entirely.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I have one year on MOT certificate which shows more "mileage" than the following, therefore can anyone give me some advice on the following:

  1. Am I legally obliged to mention this when looking to sell the car?
  2. What tack will a dealer generally take in this position? Can they refuse to trade it in?
  3. Is there anything legally I can do to prove a mistake?

I have been in touch with the manufacturer who have said that mileage is not recorded in the ECU. I do have a full service history (including the one that was carried out on the day, so that is also recorded in KM in the handbook!)

Many thanks in advance!

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Fri 12 Feb 2016 23:04
Incorrect MOT mileage noted - RobJP

There is nothing you can do.

1. I would not mention it when selling the car, and you are not obliged to. You will be asked to sign something when selling it which includes a declaration that the mileage is correct. In the past, I've always added 'to the best of my knowledge' to that. If they query it, then you ask them to make a declaration that the mileage is accurate on the car you are buying.

2. If you don't tell the dealer, they won't know. They are unlikely to look through the old MOTs to check.

3. All you can do, if asked, is have any old servicing receipts to hand, which will hopefully show the correct mileage at various times. You have kept all those sorts of documents, and not just the stamped service book, haven't you ...

Edited by RobJP on 12/02/2016 at 23:05

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Sat 13 Feb 2016 14:12
Incorrect MOT mileage noted - martint123

I'd just have abit of paper handy if anyone asks - with the previous recorded mileages (or is it kmages?) with a note next to the one in km showing the miles and hopefully it will fit in nicely with average anual mileages.

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Sun 14 Feb 2016 20:14
Incorrect MOT mileage noted - mfb91

Thanks. I do have all old receipts - including one from six weeks before the aforementioned MOT (from a dealer recall) showing the mileage - that is probably my best hand as I would have had to have done around 16000 "miles" to get to the amount shown in KM at the MOT!! You said dealers are unlikely to look through old MOTs, but they show the previous three/four?

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Tue 16 Feb 2016 17:49
Incorrect MOT mileage noted - concrete

I believe that MOT certificates are no longer issued. They are recored digitally by the MOT station and go on file with the DVLA. About two years ago when certficates were issued the incorrect mileage was recorded for my car. Not intending to sell the car I could not be bothered to get involved in a potentially tricky situation with the DVLA. I just let it pass and the correct mileage was recorded next time around. The DVLA never queried that the mileage was some thousands less than the previous year. My guess is they don't care or can't be bothered to investigate. After all there is no money in it for them, especially when they can be hectoring innocent motorist over V5 notifications etc. I also think this problem is more widespread than we realise and mistakes are often made. Would not worry too much about it as the service book and the odometer would seem to coincide.

Cheers Concrete

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Sun 21 Feb 2016 21:31
Incorrect MOT mileage noted - mfb91

Just a follow up - I found paperwork showing I had a warranty repair the same year after the MOT (I thought it was a year after that - time flies!) so I now have something from the dealer six weeks before and two months after the mileage being noted incorrectly (BTW it was not MOT'd by the dealer). I asked the dealer to email me to confirm the milages recorded on both dates - they have done so and they align - so hopefully enough now to allay any buyers fears!

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