How is mileage warranted?

[richb77]

I am getting close to being able to push the button on a new car purchase.

I keep seeing ad that state "Warranted mileage".

How are they warranted? (I get no clear answer)

The ads are dealers and "on the side" dealers mainly.

[Idontdrinkrsmoke]

Been wondering the same thing. I've seen it at auctions - some 'warranted' some 'not warranted'.

I would guess that warranted ones have paperwork to back up mileage like mot's and service history and maybe cars that have no paperwork or no recent paperwork are 'not warranted'.

[Ozzie Osmond]

That's a very good question, since in reality those words add nothing unless there's a detailed description in awritten contract of exactly what they mean.

For instance, if the mileage is simply "warranted" to be 10,581 but you later find out it's 11,581 will you have any rights to return the car or claim big financial compensation? Almost certainly not.

In contrast, if you bought a car from a trader WITHOUT the "warranted" words and the mileage turned out to be 30,581 you would clearly be on track for returning the car or getting compensation.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Idontdrinkrsmoke said:

I've seen it at auctions - some 'warranted' some 'not warranted'.

That's definitely a case for reading the auctioneer's small print. Auctioneer's don't usually own the cars they sell - they auction on behalf of the owner (vendor) and take a commission.

For instance, British Car Auctions say - "a vehicle sold “as seen” is sold and purchased for what it is and with its faults (if any) and, save for that term, the contract of sale shall not contain any condition, warranty or other term (express or implied) as to the age, description, suitability, fitness for purpose, satisfactory quality or roadworthiness of the vehicle."

All BCA add is, "Warranted mileage – the vendor confirms the vehicle’s mileage is correct". So if that warranty is given and is NOT correct you have the right to claim against the previous owner, not the auction house. Obviously if the owner was a big company (e.g. Hertz Rentacar) you may be in with a chance. But if it was Joe Bloggs of no fixed abode you're in trouble. So always look carefully at all the documents.

[richb77]

I think the underlying message is that its a clever (or not so) choice of words.

a warranty should offer a recourse if the warranted detail turns out to be incorrect. Be it refund, full or part or some other exchange in compensation.

Something tells me if its a franchised dealer, they are so confident that the mileage is real (ex demo for example) they offer it as "warranted" if it turns out false they have quite a bit to lose so i doubt they use the term lightly.

Independent dealers on the other hand are another matter. I suspect its just the latest buzz word for adverts with absolutely no chance that "warranty" means anything other than its a word in an advert.