Study and Statistical Analysis of Odometer Tampering by Purchasers of One-TimeLease Vehicles

摘要

The primary objective was to determine the current level of odometer tampering inone-time lease vehicles. A secondary objective was to replicate as closely as possible a similar 1985 study and to compare the results. Odometer readings at the time vehicles were sold by two major leasing companies were compared with the odometer readings of those same vehicles when they were later resold to ultimate consumer purchasers in order to determine if odometer tampering had occurred. Based on an analysis of the leased vehicles resold by the two lease companies the study estimated a 5.07 percent tampering rate for lease vehicles. A close replication of the 1985 study disclosed a 3.91 percent rollback rate versus the 50 percent rate found in the prior study. The report credits this apparent reduction to new legislation and increased criminal prosecutions. It recommends continued vigilance and creation of a nationwide odometer database.