PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Does driving in reverse take miles off?
I’ve got a really old Ford Focus with almost 200,000 miles on it. I want to sell it, but I’m afraid no one will buy it since it has so many miles. Does driving in reverse take miles off?
Melanie Johnson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I love a Ford Focus—it’s a reliable, fuel-efficient, durable car. Heck, maybe I should buy yours? But no, driving in reverse does not take miles off your car. On older cars, it was possible to alter the odometer to lower the mileage on older cars, but these days, cars have electronic odometers that are harder to tamper with.
Altering the mileage on a car is illegal and you could face strict federal penalties for intentionally trying to deceive a potential buyer into thinking they are purchasing a vehicle with fewer miles than it actually has.
Penalties for odometer fraud include:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Payment of damages to the person you defrauded
- Up to three years in a federal prison
It’s best to accept your car’s high mileage and price it accordingly. Maybe think of your car’s mileage like wrinkles on a face—full of wisdom and stories of the road. Someone will want your car as-is! No need to mess with the odometer.
When you buy a new car, you’ll probably need a new
car insurance
plan. The Jerry
app can help you find one in seconds. Jerry takes care of all the paperwork and phone calls and can even assist you in canceling your old policy!View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
