Let’s set the stage: a driver, ecstatic, is negotiating a phenomenal deal on a pre-owned vehicle. It seems like it’s his lucky day for discovering this practically new car with incredibly low mileage. When the deal is done, the driver victoriously receives the keys to the car and drives it merrily off the lot.  It’s only at this point that the driver realizes the low-mileage car he was sold… actually had thousands of miles on it. 

 

That’s exactly what happened to one Georgia consumer who bought a used Toyota listed at just 300 miles. But thanks to some photographic evidence, it turned out the car actually had 4,000 miles the day it was sold. When the buyer confronted the dealership, the manager reportedly told them to “go kick rocks.”

 

It’s a frustrating scenario, but not an uncommon one. And if it happens to you, knowing your rights can make all the difference.

First Things First: Georgia’s “As-Is” Clause Isn’t the End

Georgia is an “as-is” state when it comes to used vehicles. That means once you sign the dotted line, the car and all of its issues are legally your responsibility. It doesn’t matter if the engine fails the next day or you find out the brakes need replacing.

 

But there are limits.

 

If a dealership knowingly misrepresents the mileage of a car, that may cross the line into odometer fraud, which is a serious state and federal offense.

 

This includes falsifying the mileage on the Odometer Disclosure Statement, a legal document required during any vehicle transfer. If the dealership wrote 300 miles on your paperwork but the car clearly had 4,000 miles on the same day (and you can prove it), that’s a big red flag.

If a dealership knowingly misrepresents the mileage of a car, that may cross the line into odometer fraud, which is a serious state and federal offense. (iStock)

What Are Your Options? More Than You Might Think

Even in an “as-is” sale, consumers are not powerless. Here are several paths you can take if you suspect odometer fraud in Georgia:

  • File a Complaint with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office.  This is often the first and most direct route. The Consumer Protection Division investigates deceptive business practices and can pressure dealerships into responding.
  • Contact the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers. This board oversees licensing and compliance for Georgia dealers. Reputable dealers are generally responsive when complaints are escalated here, since unresolved issues can impact their ability to do business.
  • Consider Legal Action.  You can sue the dealership, but you’ll need more than just suspicion. You’ll need to prove that the dealership knowingly misrepresented the odometer reading with intent to defraud. This is where documentation matters. Photos, emails, paperwork, and even text messages can help make your case. A consultation with an attorney familiar with Georgia auto fraud laws can guide you on whether you have a solid case.

Pro Tips to Protect Yourself From Odometer Scams

Buying a used car doesn’t have to feel like a game of Russian roulette. A few extra steps can prevent major headaches:

  • Always request a vehicle history report (like Carfax or AutoCheck) before you commit. These reports typically include mileage at various service intervals.
  • Take photos of the odometer on the test drive or walkaround. It sounds excessive, but it can be your best proof if something goes wrong.
  • Double check the mileage listed in the contract and compare it to what’s on the odometer. If anything seems off, don’t sign.
  • Ask the dealer directly whether the mileage has ever been adjusted or if the car was ever used as a fleet, demo, or rental vehicle.
If you were misled, file those complaints and get legal advice. Even if you don’t get all your money back, you might single-handedly stop the dealership from doing it to someone else. (iStock)

What If You’re Already in Too Deep?

Let’s say you’ve already bought the car and just discovered the mileage discrepancy. You feel tricked, and maybe a little embarrassed. That’s valid, but trust us, you’re not the first and you won’t be the last. Thousands of consumers deal with similar issues every year.

 

So, what’s your next move?

 

Start documenting everything. Then, file those complaints and get advice from a legal expert if you think you’ve been deliberately misled. Even if you don’t get all your money back, you might be able to recover some damages. Better yet, you might single-handedly stop the dealership from doing it to someone else.

The Bottom Line

Used car shopping comes with risks, especially in states like Georgia where “as-is” sales put more burden on the buyer. But when it comes to odometer fraud, the law is clear: falsifying mileage to make a sale is illegal.

 

If it happens to you, you don’t have to just “kick rocks.” You’ve got the tools and a decent system to fight back.

 

Have you ever bought a car and later found out it wasn’t what the dealer claimed? What did you do next?