One of the Gen II cars I'm going to check out has "inconsistent odometer" as a problem in Carfax. I *believe* that this implies that it may have been rolled back, but it may also be that the problem is with the MPG odometer. Given this note in the Carfax file, is it appropriate for me to ask the dealer to buy the complete Carfax record and share it with me, or should I just buy it online? What questions should I ask in order to address this at the dealer's? And what is the process for taking a possible purchase to a competing dealer to check it out before signing on the dotted line? (or do I have to sign and then use my "buyer's remorse" period before taking it back?)
No idea. But if it's particularly hard to tamper with, it may indeed be a typo or something...I've told the dealer (on the phone) that I want an explanation...
If the "combination meter" is replaced (the screen with the speedo, odo, gear selection, etc), the number from the replacement meter becomes the car's odometer reading. Per Patrick Wong, the factory can set a new combination meter to the correct value to ensure continuity, but if a used part were installed, it would just have the old reading I think.