Former Mechanic Exposes: Dirty Tricks of Used Car Sellers (And How to Outsmart Them All)
After 27 years as a mechanic, here's the #1 used car buying mistake that could cost you a fortune — and the simple 30-second check to avoid it.
Every driver needs one
The used car market can be a real minefield — and if you don't know what to watch out for, you could be driving straight into a financial nightmare.
I've seen it all: cars patched up just enough to get through a quick sale, sellers using clever tricks to hide serious problems, and buyers walking away thinking they've landed a bargain… only to be hit with massive repair bills weeks later.
It's not right — especially for honest, hard-working people just trying to make a smart purchase.
And it's not just happening in one country. Across Europe, this kind of thing is costing everyday drivers thousands each year.
That's why I need to share this with you.
Did you know sellers can turn off the engine warning light without fixing the problem?
A car might have a faulty transmission, a damaged oxygen sensor, or even an engine misfire — problems that could cost you hundreds or even thousands of euros to repair.
But if the warning light isn't on, how would you know?
I've seen sellers use cheap diagnostic tools to clear error codes just before a viewing, making the car look and feel fine — at least for the test drive.
By the time warning lights start flashing again, you've already bought the car… and it's your problem now.
And sadly, that's just one of many tricks buyers need to watch out for.
It only takes minutes to tamper with a car's odometer— and trick you into thinking you're getting a great deal.
Odometer fraud is a widespread scam where sellers make a car appear to have fewer kilometres than it has actually driven, allowing them to charge a higher price than the vehicle is truly worth.
Thanks to modern technology, this scam is easier than ever to pull off. Anyone can buy a cheap tool online and make a car with 180.000 km look like it only has 60.000 km in just a few minutes.
Each year, millions of cars are sold in the EU with manipulated odometer readings, costing European consumers an estimated €5,6 to €9,6 billion annually.
That means:
You could be paying thousands more for a car that's actually worth far less
You're unknowingly taking on years of hidden wear and tear
You're likely to face unexpected repairs and major servicing costs — much sooner than you'd expect
But here's the worst part:
Think a vehicle history report is enough? Think again.
Whether you're using CARFAX Europe, AutoCheck, carVertical or a country-specific tool — these services only tell you the vehicle's past.
They can't tell you what's going on under the bonnet right now.
A car that's never been in an accident could still have serious hidden issues — like engine trouble, misfires, or failing sensors — that might cost you thousands of euros in repairs.
And here's the truth: dealers often buy cars at auction, do just enough to make them look good, and then resell them at a markup.
If you're only relying on a history check and a short test drive, you're playing with fire.
Luckily, there's a better way to see the full picture before you buy.
How a €30 device outsmarts dishonest used car sellers
Imagine having a trusted mechanic by your side — someone who can instantly check a car's real condition before you hand over your hard-earned cash.
That's exactly what FIXD does.
Simply plug this compact device into the car's OBD2 port (the same one garages use), connect it to your smartphone (iPhone or Android), and within seconds, FIXD scans the vehicle for hidden faults — including engine issues that might not show up during a test drive.
No €200+ presale inspection charge. Just plug and scan for peace of mind before you buy.
Plug FIXD into the OBD2 port (every petrol car since 2001 has one) and instantly scan for hidden issues.
FIXD instantly tells you
✅ Exactly what's wrong with the car (in simple terms—no confusing fault codes)
✅ How serious the issue is (minor fix or a deal-breaker)
✅ Estimated repair costs (so you know exactly what it's worth and can negotiate the best deal)
✅ The vehicle's recorded mileage at its last sale (helping you spot odometer fraud and save €1000s)
Plus FIXD will tell you how many kilometres ago the engine warning light was switched off. So you'll know if a seller recently cleared faults to hide a serious issue before your viewing.
Having FIXD in your pocket could be the difference between getting a great deal or wasting thousands, like John, who had no idea there was anything wrong with the used car he was looking at until he plugged in FIXD:
“I went to purchase a used car and was informed nothing was wrong with it. I plugged the FIXD device in the port and found out the car had several engine issues and that the check engine light was tampered with. Saved me from buying a lemon.”
- John M., September 25, 2024
FIXD does what history checks can't – and more
For years, services like HPI Check, CARFAX Europe, and Autoverleden.nl have helped buyers avoid bad used car deals by showing vehicle history reports.
But here's the truth: they can't spot hidden issues lurking under the bonnet right now.
And these reports often cost a small fortune — some charge you €30 to €45 per vehicle, which adds up quickly if you're shopping around.
That's where FIXD changes everything.
With FIXD, you get access to unlimited vehicle history reports (accident records, number of previous owners, odometer logs, sale history, and more) — completely free with an optional Premium membership.
Plus FIXD gives you easy-to-understand engine diagnostics and repair cost estimates that guarantee you'll never get ripped off when buying a used car.
An entire year of premium benefits costs less than a car detail and includes money-saving features history checks don't offer.
With FIXD, you get:
✅ Real-time engine diagnostics that reveal hidden problems instantly — in simple language, no jargon. FIXD protects you from shady sellers.
✅ Accurate repair cost estimates — Know how serious engine problems are and what they'll cost to repair so you never overpay.
✅ Unlimited Used Car History Reports — Get the full history of any vehicle before you buy. Includes accident records, number of previous owners, odometer records, sale & title history & more!
✅ AI Mechanic — Get 24/7 chat support for real-time advice when buying, negotiating or servicing your vehicle.
✅ Forecast future car problems — FIXD tells you what's likely to go wrong in the next 5 years and how much it'll cost so you can decide for yourself if that used car is worth the trouble.
✅ Service reminders with cost estimates — FIXD automatically alerts you when it's time for important service like oil changes and tire rotations, including expected costs. Use this info before buying to assess ownership costs of any vehicle.
✅ Vehicle valuation tool — know exactly how much a used car is really worth based on its working condition, or price your own car to sell fast.
✅ Precheck emissions at home — Avoid nasty surprises at your next MOT, TÜV, or roadworthiness inspection by using FIXD to check for emissions-related issues before you buy.
“It's a perfect tool to use when looking for a new used car. It has already saved me from making a huge mistake.”
- Andre V., Dec 6, 2024
Would you spend €30 to avoid a €5000 mistake?
Imagine you're considering a sleek used BMW — it looks immaculate, drives well, and even comes with a clean vehicle history report.
The seller is asking €28000, but what they're not telling you is that the check engine light was recently reset to hide a faulty catalytic converter — a repair that could cost you over €1800.
Even worse, the odometer has been rolled back by 50.000 km, meaning the true value of the car is at least €3500 less than what you're about to pay.
In this scenario, you'd be down over €5000 the moment you drove away — and sadly, it happens more often than you might think. In fact, odometer fraud affects up to 1 in 10 used vehicles across parts of Europe, costing honest buyers millions every year.
For less than the price of a basic service, FIXD helps you catch these hidden issues before they cost you a fortune — giving you the same insights a professional mechanic would have, right on your phone. So you can buy smarter, safer, and with total confidence.
Over 3 million drivers worldwide trust FIXD to monitor their car's health and avoid costly surprises at the garage
Major used vehicle retailers use FIXD's technology to scan used cars for hidden issues before they buy them.
That's how simple — and powerful — this little device really is.
For a limited time, you can get FIXD for under €30, a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Plus, your sensor includes 2 weeks of Premium benefits at no additional cost so you can get unlimited used car history reports for free.
FIXD works with all petrol vehicles 2001 onwards and all hybrid and diesel vehicles 2004 onwards.
The FIXD app is available worldwide, on both iPhone and Android devices. It's translated in over 10 languages – including English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, and more!
FIXD is backed by a free 2-year warranty and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it with total confidence.
So before you even think about buying a used car, do yourself a favour:
Get FIXD. Scan the car. Protect your wallet.
UPDATE: Special Savings for our Readers
Reg. €89 Only €29.99 🤯
FIXD is on a mission to level the playing field for used car buyers across Europe. That's why they're offering this exclusive discount for our readers while supplies last.
P.S. FIXD also makes a brilliant gift! Consider picking up an extra one (or two) for friends or family while the offer's still on.
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Don't Just Take My Word for It. See
Why Millions of Drivers Love FIXD!
Tris Marie
November 10, 2024
Forget The Other Reviews... BUY THIS!
My brother is a mechanic and has a super fancy OBD-OO monitor that was EXPENSIVE. Let me tell you, this thing does exaclt ywhat his does and gives the same information super quick and it's accurate. It connects quick and the app is super easy to use and understand. I pay the monthly fee for the membership and the mechanics have been super helpful and especially when recommending places to get it fixed - has alwyas found me the best deals for repairs. I've had a list of problems with my car and this thing has been on point with diagnostic each time. I highly recommend it.
Charlene Huppman
November 10, 2024
Already paid for itself!
The app is easy to use, the product connects as it should. But it does exactly what it says and more. I bought bc I'm in the process ofbuying a first car for my teenager and want to make sure we are getting a vehicle that won't break the bank. The live data is great and helps weed out suspicious or scammy sellers. The first vehicle we used it on saved usfrom buying a vehicle with no CEL on dash but when plugged in, showed multiple transmission codes! Buy it. You won't regret it.
Daniel E. Graf
March 2, 2024
Perfect & SAVED $$$
I was skeptical. But I bought it.
It was super easy.
Download app.
Stick in port under steering wheel.
Scan.
It told me what the problem was (it was super minor) AND allowed me to clear the check engine light myself. FROM MY PHONE!!!
Saved me $250 trip to the mechanic.
And I can use it over and over again on multiple cars. Heck I'll let my friends use it.
Denise
August 28, 2024
Great little machine
I have used this on my vehicle. I also used a mechanics diangostic machine as well to compare results. Both the Fixd and the diagnostic machine gave same codes. I only did that to see how true this machine was. I like the fact that they also send me an email with the Code information and what I can do to fix the issue with my vehicle. This little, tiny machine is amazing and I highly recommend to anyone. This is great for women too this way they don't get ripped off at a mechanic shop
Bob Temple
June 10, 2024
Best
little tool, keep in your vehicle always
I think your product is awesome, very accurate, should be included with each new and used vehicle sold, certainly would be a time and money saver.
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