Why does the odometer in my car continue to turn? Odometer fraud or mechanical problem?

Question

I recently purchased a 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback DX from a private party for $1,000. My mother took me to see the car and wanted to be the one to test drive it. Since i was in the backseat, i was just paying attention to how the car shifted and handled. The engine was pretty quiet, the car shifted smoothly, and overall it seemed like it was worth the money. The previous owner said that it had 144,XXX miles which i confirmed when i looked at the dash. We ended up purchasing the car and i drove it home, but when I was almost home, i noticed the numbers on the odometer continued to turn slowly over and over and over non-stop. Is this the result of odometer fraud, or do i just need to have the odometer repaired?? Any help is appreciated. Thank you for reading and answering my question.

Dtownfb · Accepted Answer

I'm assuming the odometer keeps going even when you are stopped.

Definitely get the odometer checked.  Take a look at the title.  it should show the past owners and the mileage at each transaction.  They should be less than the current mileage. 

If you bought from the original owner, I wouldn't sweat it too much.  144,000+ miles for a 19 year old vehicle is pretty low.  Also you only paid $1000.    If the odometer does move a bit fast, it actually has fewer miles. 

Get it inspected but don't lose sleep over it.

Anonymous · Answer

Too vague.  The odometer will clock the mileage and turn the numbers.  Is the odometer free wire or cable?

William W · Answer

If all the digits turn over together, it usually means that the trip mileage reset is stuck in. Try pushing the reset in and out a few times.

? · Answer

HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED FOR LEAKS OIL AND BRAKES AND MILEAGE LESS BY 12,000

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Why does the odometer in my car continue to turn? Odometer fraud or mechanical problem?

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