Our experts say: these are the most common used car scams

Based on industry experience, several types of fraud repeatedly occur in the used car market. The most common include odometer tampering, concealing previous damage, and misrepresenting information about the vehicle’s history. It is also common for sellers to withhold information about the car’s actual prior use, such as having served as a taxi, or to convince buyers with false or incomplete documentation.

"Odometer fraud is primarily associated with imported vehicles, as mileage records are more difficult to trace and verify across international platforms. In Hungary, odometer rollback has become relatively rare because mileage readings are officially recorded during every mandatory technical inspection, which takes place every two years. However, exceptions can still occur," says Andrea Rékai, Head of Ayvens Car Remarketing and the Ayvens Used Car Showroom.

For an average buyer, odometer tampering can be difficult to detect. A warning sign may be when the condition of the vehicle’s interior, such as the steering wheel, pedals, or seats, does not match the indicated mileage. It is also important to review service records and check for consistency, ensuring that mileage figures match across multiple sources, including technical inspection records and maintenance documentation.

Evidence of serious previous damage may include differences in paint color, uneven panel gaps, non-factory welding marks, or body parts manufactured in different years. However, in many cases these signs are no longer visible after professional repairs have been completed. This makes an independent expert inspection and a transparent vehicle history particularly important. Another warning sign is when a vehicle history check shows no change in mileage for an extended period. This may indicate that the vehicle was out of service for a significant length of time due to accident damage or other major repairs.

In the case of vehicles that have been recently imported from abroad, it is often more difficult to verify their history, making them an ideal target for fraudsters. Previous accident damage, actual mileage, or former usage may not be disclosed, while the corresponding documentation may be incomplete or even manipulated. "A common form of fraud involving imported vehicles is the misrepresentation of the model year. This can often be checked on the windows, as the manufacturing year is typically stamped there as well. Another frequent scam is disabling the check engine light. Therefore, when inspecting a vehicle, it is worth switching on the ignition and checking whether the check engine light illuminates. If it does not, that can be a significant warning sign," adds the Ayvens expert.

Fraudsters most commonly falsify service records, invoices, technical inspection documents, and mileage-related certificates. At first glance, these documents may appear authentic, but without expert verification it can be difficult to determine their legitimacy. For imported vehicles, the model year is also often misrepresented.

Since inaccurate information and questionable technical characteristics can be difficult to identify with the untrained eye, many buyers seek the assistance of a mechanic when purchasing a used car. Others bring their own vehicle diagnostic tool, commonly known as an OBD fault code reader, when inspecting a vehicle. While involving a professional can be extremely helpful, the use of diagnostic devices is not permitted at every dealership. However, this should not automatically be considered a warning sign. "The electronic and infotainment systems in modern vehicles are highly complex, and connecting an unverified third-party device can potentially cause damage to sophisticated onboard electronics," explains Andrea Rékai. "In addition, purchasing a diagnostic device and hiring an expert can easily cost between HUF 30,000 and 50,000."

One way to significantly reduce both risk and expense is to purchase a vehicle from a professional used-car dealership backed by a large, reputable organization. Such dealerships typically offer vehicles with a verified history, documented mileage, and independent technical inspections, meaning that the information shown in the paperwork will match what would be revealed by a diagnostic scan. At Ayvens Used Cars, for example, all major components and systems that affect a vehicle’s lifespan are carefully inspected before resale. Vehicles with excessively high mileage, poor overall condition, or a history of serious damage are not included in the inventory. As a result, buyers can avoid many of the risks and unpleasant surprises that remain common in the used-car market today.