Gilbert car dealership manager arrested for tampering with odometer

PHOENIX — Detectives with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General have arrested a Gilbert car dealer for selling a vehicle with a false odometer reading and additional violations.

Mikel Martinez, 37, manager of Auto Link of Arizona dealership, had sold a 2013 Chevrolet E2500 Cargo Van stating that it had 159,000 miles on it, but the vehicle had actually had over 303,000 miles, according to ADOT. The title had been altered from when it was first titled to Auto Link of Arizona.

Martinez also reportedly removed the letter “C” designation on the vehicle’s title, which indicates that the true mileage on the vehicle is unknown. Detectives also found that he had a faulty dealer plate on his vehicle made of laminated paper.

The buyer contacted authorities because Martinez reportedly did not provide the title or registration for the van. ADOT said Martinez told the buyer that she was being financed through BHFC Financial Services, but the company did not have her on record when she contacted them.

Martinez is facing counts of fraudulent schemes, forgery, tampering with a public record, displaying a fictitious plate and odometer fraud. He was arrested on Sept. 21.

“It’s very important just to take time, not rush the process,” an ADOT representative said on Friday, warning buyers. “If the seller is acting suspiciously, if they’re unwilling to cooperate or they’re seemingly rushing the process, trying to rush you along — it’s better maybe at that point if you’re not comfortable — walk away.

“Ask yourself, ‘is this worth the risk of several thousand dollars or not?’ ”

ADOT offers the following tips for buyers who may encounter odometer fraud:

Beware of odometer fraud

• Check the odometer reading on the vehicle instrument cluster and compare it to what is listed on the back of the title from the seller and any odometer information contained in any vehicle history reports or repair invoices. Also check the title to see if the actual mileage is listed (Box A).

• A typical vehicle is driven about 15,000 miles per year. If the odometer mileage of a vehicle shows much less than that average annual usage, it could be an indicator that the odometer has been rolled back and worth further inspection.

• Have a trusted mechanic check the odometer for signs of tampering and for wear on the vehicle to see if it’s in line with the displayed mileage. A mechanic can also check the vehicle computer for mileage.

Use good judgment and ask lots of questions

• Ask for identification to make sure the seller is the owner listed on the title.

• Ask to see vehicle maintenance records.

• Check the VIN on the inside of the driver’s door frame and on the top of the dashboard to make sure they match.

• Check for VIN tampering such as the door frame sticker peeled off and replaced, and altered rivets on the dashboard plaque.

Visit ADOT’s website for more information and car-buying tips.

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