1. Common Refurbishment Scams Exposed
1.1 Odometer Rollback (28% of Cases)
Methods:
OBD device tampering (takes 10 minutes)
Dashboard replacement (common in older models)
Detection Checklist:
| Inspection Point | Normal | Rollback Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Steering Wheel Wear | Minimal at 30k km | Cracking at 100k+ km |
| Pedal Rubber | Clear tread at 50k km | Worn flat at 80k+ km |
| Tire Age | Matches mileage (e.g., 50k km/3 yrs) | 5-yr tires but 30k km shown |
| Dealer Records | Last entry: 60k km | Odometer shows 40k km |
1.2 Accident Car Cover-Ups
Tricks:
Structural damage: Spraying chassis coating over cut frame welds
Airbags: Filled with foam + reupholstered (warning light disabled)
Flood cars: Wiring harness waxed, seat foam replaced
Forensic Tools:
Paint meter: Factory welds <200μm; repairs >300μm
Endoscope: Irregular weld marks inside frame rails
Acid test: Rust turns red (flood evidence)
Real Case:
A buyer purchased a "well-maintained lady-owned car" later found to be a severe accident vehicle with 50% repair costs.
1.3 Fire-Damaged Car Rebuilds
Red Flags:
Brand-new fuses in pristine condition
Brittle firewall insulation (heat-damaged)
Forged "no-fire" certificates
2. Low-Price Scam Tactics
2.1 Online Bait-and-Switch
Example:
Ad: 2019 Audi A6L for ¥180k (market price: ¥250k+)
Reality: "Sold out! But we have a 2020 model... with ¥30k ‘accessories’."
2.2 In-Person Scams
| Scheme | Method | Countermeasure |
|---|---|---|
| Forced Loans | "Cash not accepted" + high fees | Record & report to regulators |
| Fake Reports | Altered inspection certificates | Demand real-time verification |
| Contract Traps | Fine print: "No condition guarantees" | Insist on "no major accidents" clause |
| Seized Vehicles | Selling lien-held cars | Check status via 12123 app |
Shocking Data:
In sub-20%-market-price listings:
92% require post-visit markups
65% are accident/lien vehicles
3. Step-by-Step Avoidance Guide
3.1 Online Screening
Price Rule: Reject listings 15% below market average
Image Clues:
Reused stock photos (same wear patterns, different backgrounds)
Blurred license plates (prevents reverse image search)
3.2 In-Person Inspection
Toolkit Essentials:
Paint meter | OBD scanner | Flashlight
5-Minute Quick Check:
Feel exhaust pipe (excessive carbon = high mileage)
Check seatbelt dates (post-manufacture = accident replacement)
Smell AC vents (mold = flood risk)
3.3 Contract Red Lines
Never Accept:
"Sold as-is" clauses
"Seller fulfilled disclosure" vagueness
Must Include:
No structural/flood/fire damage
"3x refund for fraud" terms
4. Recourse & Remedies
4.1 Post-Purchase Discovery
Evidence: Notarized video documentation
Actions:
Demand full refund + inspection fees
Report to:
Market Supervision Bureau (false ads)
Police (fraud over ¥3k is prosecutable)
4.2 Legal Outcomes
89% lawsuit success rate (with professional reports)
Compensation: Refund + 3x damages
Technical Advice:
Severe accident cars: Avoid repairs (compromised structural integrity)
Odometer fraud: Disclose when reselling
5. 2024 Trends & Final Tips
Upcoming Regulations:
Ministry of Commerce’s "Used Car History Traceability System"
Tech Defenses:
Blockchain mileage verification (BMW pilot)
Third-party e-inspection reports
Golden Rules:
Inspect before negotiating
Reject "urgent sale" or "overseas transfer" stories
For budgets over ¥200k, prioritize dealer-certified cars
Arm yourself with skepticism—if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Always verify, then trust!
Data sources: China Automobile Dealers Association, National Consumer Complaints Platform
