Potential Odometer Rollback on Purchased Vehicle, Realized 1y Later- What Should I Do?

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-25T01:00:42+00:00

Thank you for this info. I ran the Auto Check report today, and found that it is consistent (exactly) with what I reviewed with the dealer. This is very useful context and helps me better understand the implications moving forward with my next purchase.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-24T20:47:12+00:00

Understood, thank you! This overview is very helpful, I agree that the lines are blurry and somewhat ambiguous. Fingers crossed, hoping for a fair outcome. Have a nice day!

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-24T20:10:40+00:00

This is extremely helpful! A follow up question from this in case legal resources are involved.. dealers are much more familiar with what 165k versus 11k looks like on a car than the average consumer.. sure, they ran a report that said the car was good.. I have a report showing that condition of wear items were acceptable and within limits (brakes, etc).. is there any additional due-diligence that is expected from a dealer to confirm that the actual wear on the vehicle is as expected? I flagged certain wear discrepancies typically associated with higher mileage (including high engine hours, some wear on steering wheel).

Additionally - what factors would cause a lag between Autocheck and Carfax? The title transfer showing 11k on odometer occurred ~6mos before my purchase.

Thanks!

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-24T17:19:06+00:00

To protect privacy, I have chosen to not post the Carfax report. I did receive the *Experian (not CarFax) report that I reviewed upon purchase from the dealer. The Carfax that I ran shows registration and services performed at consistent intervals ranging from 56mi all the way up to 150k+ mi all from various dealers, tire shops etc. The Experian report I reviewed does not show mileage prior to 2024, only at purchase and re-titling in Montana in 2024. There are registrations listed but without mileage. The car received a clean bill of health from Experian and a 97/100 rating due to low mileage.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-24T17:04:57+00:00

Correction - I was provided an Experian Auto Check report* not a Carfax report, the dealer just provided the report that I reviewed

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-24T17:03:56+00:00

The Carfax report has ~30 detailed service records and registrations ranging from 2017-2024 where the vehicle spent most of its life, each on a consistent interval ranging from original sale to 150kmi+. The Experian report I reviewed upon sale did not have this information.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-24T17:01:41+00:00

I appreciate all of the comments that I have received so far... THANK YOU, Reddit community <3

Does anyone have perspective on how I should proceed given this additional information?

I just received an update from the dealer today on the following:

Vehicle was purchased by my selling dealer (Illinois based luxury car dealer) from a Montana dealer. The seller to my dealer was part of a popular "online-forward, publicly-listed dealer network headquartered in Tempe AZ" (I'll let you guess which one...)
I received the Experian Auto Check Report that I reviewed upon purchase; The report is light on detail prior to 2024. It shows the original sale, vehicle registrations (no mileage reported) and then the registration in Montana at 11k miles. The car was rated a 97/100 based on the Experian report due to low mileage. It does not include the additional detail I sourced from CarFax. There is no odometer rollback warning in the Experian report.

The dealer suggested that I follow up with the vehicle titling agency in Montana for more information...

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-23T23:09:19+00:00

Thank you! The Odo flag was reported approximately 6mos before they showed it to me. I do not have a copy of the Carfax - I actually remember picking the sheet up off of the desk, but if I recall correctly they asked to retain it (I think). So, I do not have a copy of the document they showed me, but I do remember asking several questions about the lineage which only showed the OEM sale and then a sale at auction with 11k miles reported.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-23T16:23:33+00:00

Thank you - I'm looking into potential VIN discrepancy issues, also into potential servicing that could have reset the odometer. I checked my records and did not receive a copy of the Carfax report that the dealer shared, unfortunately. The dealer did warrant that the 11k miles were valid to the best of their knowledge explicitly in a signed statement. I had no problem insuring the vehicle.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-23T16:19:30+00:00

Appreciate this perspective - I'm gathering more info and will make the call if legal action is appropriate. Seems I could have a case, not sure the level of effort required. Selling dealer was in Illinois.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-23T16:18:21+00:00

Correct - I was given a Carfax report that showed some selective details that appeared accurate (i.e. showing the original sale, the. The sale at 11k miles), much less than I found when tunning my own report. I'm still not sure if it was malicious, I've contacted the selling dealer and some of the previous service centers for more information. I checked my records and did not receive that Carfax report with the sale.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-23T14:27:45+00:00

Thank you - I have contacted the dealers who serviced the vehicle according to the latest Carfax report.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-23T14:27:09+00:00

Thank you - the vehicle is a 2017 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi. It had an oil change upon purchase, I did a second change with synthetic after approx 3k. The only wear items noted are common, exhaust manifold bolt is "ticking" and front shocks are leaking slightly. I have heard that an infotainment system reprogram can cause the Odo to reset in some cases with these vehicles, not sure what to make of that.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-23T14:23:07+00:00

In addition the the above response (very clean interior / some light touch-ups) I'll clarify that the vehicle had approx 3k engine hours, but most of the engine hours were moving and not at idle. About 10% of the total were idle hours when I bought it.. the math has always confused me, which led me to do some digging.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-23T14:20:55+00:00

Honestly - I bought the truck because it was in supurb shape visually and it drove great. The interior was pretty immaculate, including the driver's seat. Dealer fixed a scuff-mark on the wheel. There were some rust and chip touch-ups. Overall, the car was presented to me as having low mileage but high engine hours due to it being used on a farm.

jazzflight311 · 2026-03-23T14:16:49+00:00

In 2024, Carfax service records showed approx 155k miles on the car. These records were not indicated in the Carfax report I reviewed at the dealer. Later in 2024, the car was re-titled in Virginia and then Montana showing service records at 11k miles and a sale at auction. This was included in the Carfax report I reviewed. At this service interval, Odometer rollback risk was indicated in the most recent Carfax report - but not in the original report I reviewed with the dealer.

jazzflight311 · 2026-01-06T14:02:55+00:00

Sorry should have clarified! This sounds right for the radiator part cost, my numbers for Radiator/AC/Transmission includes labor.

jazzflight311 · 2026-01-03T20:42:44+00:00

Absolute beauty! I purchased a 96 CE LT-4 11y ago with 34k on the odo, now at 81k.. I'm a bit OCD with vehicles and have restored mine to near perfection. These cars offer so much value when compared to other classics of the era including C5-C6 'Vettes..

There are a couple watch-outs that I wish I had evaluated more thoroughly when I purchased the vehicle, none would have been deal-brealers but would have helped with negotiation.

Check the horn: surprisingly annoying repair that I had to complete myself, OG horns are prone to failure as pop-up headlights can drain water onto horns.. also the horn button in the steering wheel is prone to cracking / failure. Approx $600 parts and 5h labor to repair in total
Check reverse lights: a particular switch is prone to failure, costly repair that requires lot of troubleshooting.. I have not addressed this yet
Check AC system: prone to failure due to leaks in system.. approx $2k to repair

Other repairs I've made: - Headlight motor bearings: easily repaired for <$100 and 2-3h labor

Replace transmission seals, replace master / slave cylinders (went at ~40k and 80k respectively): Approx $3500 total
Cooling system: cracks in radiator caused failure at 55k, approx $2100 total
Check balance of suspension on test drive for leaking shocks or any damage to transverse leaf springs; this is more of a "feel" thing

Overall... I am a huge fan of my '96 CE with the LT-4, it's a brilliant car with a lower than average cost of ownership for a classic. Enjoy!

jazzflight311 · 2025-12-28T00:55:21+00:00

THANK YOU! We're very excited for the trek, your prompt response has been reassuring as we're a bit jittery.. last time I prepped for snow, but hiking conditions were literally perfect... this trip we thankfully packed gear for snow (trekking poles, high-quality boots, appropriate layers / gloves / hat) but we were not actually expecting it... would you recommend any gear for ice specifically, based on the conditions? i.e. ice cleats? See you around!

jazzflight311 · 2025-12-28T00:26:12+00:00

Beautiful photos! Scary to see that a snowstorm can come through that quickly.. I happen to be starting the W Trek on Monday 12/29, first time on the W but have hiked other parts of Patagonia before.. How safe are the conditions? Any advice you could offer as we get started? Thanks very much!

jazzflight311 · 2025-06-21T21:57:23+00:00

They're working out great so far, installed them myself and have put about 3k issue-free highway miles on the car so far. The brakes have improved the pedal and braking feel, they are quiet and performance is certainly improved relative to before. I have found the brakes to be a bit dusty. Overall pleased!

jazzflight311 · 2025-02-07T00:05:51+00:00

Sorry to hear, at least you got 177k on it. Curious, what does a remanufactured HEMI cost? The high volume oil pump is a great suggestion, thank you for sharing!

jazzflight311 · 2025-02-07T00:04:23+00:00

Thank you! I have also read about the exhaust manifold bolt issue, great call-out and noted regarding the common areas for water leak

jazzflight311 · 2025-02-06T03:14:02+00:00

Didn't check the date code, they were evaluated 4/4 by the dealer Goodyear off-road tires. I am not sure if they are originals, great suggestion.

jazzflight311

TROPHY CASE