ABA Family Legal Guide

Automobiles

Buying, Renting, and Leasing a Car

Buying a Used Car

Does the car seller have to tell the buyer the car's mileage?

Yes, federal law entitles the buyer of a used car to receive a mileage disclosure statement from the seller, even if the seller is not a dealer. On request, the seller must give a signed written statement to the buyer that provides the odometer reading at the time of transfer. The statement also should certify the odometer's accuracy, to the seller's knowledge. If the seller knows the odometer is incorrect, the seller must admit it. Refusal to provide such a statement, or illegally tampering with the odometer, exposes the seller to stiff penalties.