AZE.US
Some vehicles imported from U.S. auctions and offered for sale in Azerbaijan may have altered or erased VIN records and rolled-back odometers, auto specialists have warned.
Experts said such manipulation makes it harder for buyers to determine a vehicle’s true history, including its actual mileage, previous accidents and the extent of earlier damage.
In some cases, a standard VIN search does not reveal the full record. However, specialists say parts of the vehicle’s history can sometimes be recovered through international databases and specialized software.
Inspections have reportedly found mileage discrepancies of between 50,000 and 100,000 kilometers between records from the United States and the figures shown after the vehicles arrived in Azerbaijan.
Cars that sustained serious accident damage in the United States have also allegedly been repaired and placed on sale without buyers being informed about their history.
In one case cited by a mechanic, a vehicle was offered with a displayed mileage of around 300,000 kilometers. A Carfax report showed that it had already recorded approximately 325,000 kilometers in the United States, while its VIN history had been cleared from ordinary searches.
Specialists warned that concealed mileage and accident damage can affect both a car’s market value and road safety.
Buyers are advised to check VIN numbers through international databases, arrange an independent technical inspection and request documents confirming the vehicle’s history before completing a purchase.
AZE.US